Victoria's new city manager Gail Stevens will get to work next week at a price tag of $200,000 a year. According to the provincial executive compensation disclosure statements, that's just under the $231,835 the premier's deputy minister Jessica McDonald made in fiscal 2007/08. But, in an interview on Public Eye Radio, mayor Dean Fortin defended the city manager's salary stating, "This is generally within the framework of the industry standard and where everybody is getting paid in that. That's the range....You take a look at people who are leaders in universities or other public sector places - this is completely in line and probably lower than some of those other ones."

Coalition of Progressive Electors external chair Alvin Singh has said won't be courting former Vision Vancouver executive member Mike Bruce to join his civic association, although he's welcome to take out a membership. This, after Mr. Bruce sent an email to Mayor Gregor Robertson announcing he was quitting Vancouver's governing party. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Singh said, "I've actually worked with Mike on a few occasions. He's really talented. He's very articulated. And I think he was a good executive member for Vision. But no, I'm not going to call and court him. If he wants to get involved with COPE he's more than welcome to."

Vision Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson's praise for Premier Gordon Campbell, and his handling of the controversy it caused, has cost him the support of a former top-ranking party member. In an email sent to the mayor and his council colleagues on May 7, Mike Bruce announced he would be quitting the party and encouraging others to do the same.
He also ripped Mr. Robertson for not being "responsive" to the civic association's left-wing base and criticized the flattering introduction he gave the premier at a March conference on sport and the environment.

During that conference, the mayor told attendees the premier - who had "left a legacy of good decisions" from his time as mayor of Vancouver - was going for a "three-peat."

And he praised Mr. Campbell for "his leadership on the environment, including overseeing BC becoming the first jurisdiction to introduce a Carbon Tax in North America."

Councillor Geoff Meggs subsequently told The Georgia Straight's Carlito Pablo the mayor regretted the language he used was "was a bit unguarded."

But, in his email, Mr. Bruce - a former Vision Vancouver executive member - went further, writing Mr. Robertson's actions have given the impression it's "simply OK to turn a blind eye to Campbell's litany of offenses simply because the Carbon Tax takes a symbolic step towards our shared goals of tackling climate change."

Specifically, Mr. Bruce stated the mayor didn't respond to an earlier message he'd sent expressing concerns about the statement.

Nor has Mr. Robertson, according to Mr. Bruce, publicly addressed the issue or explained himself to the party membership as a whole.

And that "indicates a tremendous disrespect" for those members as well as "an incredible lack of leadership and a respect for your colleagues."

Although, in April, Globe and Mail contributor Frances Bula did quote Mr. Robertson on her blog as saying, "I was over-exuberant in introducing the premier to an international audience…There have been people interpreting it as a political statement and it's not."

And a spokesperson for the mayor said Mr. Robertson "made it pretty clear on a number of occasions" - including radio appearances - that he wasn't endorsing Premiier Campbell.

Mr. Bruce - who resigned from the party's executive on November 28, 2008, citing a need to focus his efforts on the upcoming provincial election - wrote many of friends have already left Vision Vancouver because of the mayor's praise for the premier.

Until now, he's been reluctant to do the same because of the "faith and confidence that I have in the abilities, leadership and knowledge" of Vision Vancouver's councilors.

But, as a result of what Mr. Bruce sees as the mayor's silence, the former Vision Vancouver executive stated he has decided to leave the party - vowing to encourage others to do the same. In response, Kevin Quinlan - the mayor's executive assistance - acknowledged Mr. Robertson wasn't able to answer Mr. Bruce's earlier email.

"In a perfect world, the mayor would have flipped him a note back saying, ‘Hey, thanks for writing in. I totally hear your concerns. Here's where I'm at. But we're going to have to agree to disagree. But that didn't happen. So Mike sent in his email. And that's his choice and right to do so."

As for Mr. Bruce's accusation Mr. Robertson hasn't been responsive to Vision Vancouver members, Mr. Quinlan said, "The mayor did meet with both the co-chairs of the party to discuss a number of things - particularly engagement. And I think you're going to be seeing more of that in the coming weeks and months."

Meanwhile, for his part, Mr. Bruce - the communications director for the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378 - declined comment when contacted.

The following is a complete copy of the May 7 email.

***

From: Mike Bruce
Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2009 1:09 PM
To: gregor@votevision.ca; gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca
Cc: Carolyn; Jang, Kerry; Reimer, Andrea; Meggs, Geoff; Louie, Raymond; Chow, George; heather.deal@vancouver.ca; Stevenson, Tim
Subject: Cancellation of Vision Vancouver membership

Dear Gregor,

I wrote to you several weeks ago regarding some of my concerns as a Vision Vancouver member and activist regarding your recent exuberant comments in support of Gordon Campbell.

What I had hoped to accomplish with this letter was to seek some sort of answer from you as to why you had made these comments and what actions you were going to take in order to repair what appeared to be a series of very offensive remarks to a large number of your party's members, supporters, donors, and voters.

I wanted to give you the opportunity to respond before I myself took any action. I know that such remarks can sometimes be taken out of context and that reactions can sometimes be disproportionate. I thought that this would be the respectful course to take before deciding what, if any, action to take myself.

You have not responded.

Ultimately, I am not entirely surprised. To date, you have not appeared to be a leader who is particularly responsive to your party's membership, nor particularly concerned about remaining in contact and consultation with your base.

Parties are democratic organizations that are driven by your members, and I would suggest to you that very, very few of your party's members would fine any common cause with your fawning remarks regarding Gordon Campbell. The fact that you have done nothing to communicate with the membership following from this mistake indicates a tremendous disrespect for the membership of Vision Vancouver.
At this point you are no doubt aware that you have been quoted as a validator in the BC Liberal platform. This is in writing. Public. This gives you an opportunity to publicly repudiate this, and I very much hope you do. In fact, I would entirely reverse my course of action if you do this.

I would also suggest that your remarks, and the lack of any public clarification, also indicates a tremendous disrespect and contempt for the Vision Vancouver Councillors. These Councillors, most of whom I have had the pleasure to work with, have never indicated anything close to the support you voiced for the Premier. While it might be easy to become disconnected from your party and the membership, I would have hoped you would show more consideration to your caucus.

I appreciate the remarks that Geoff Meggs made clarifying your statements. However, these remarks only make me respect Councillor Meggs more. Your silence speaks even more volumes in the wake of this, and your willingness to let the Councillors give tacit apologies on your behalf, instead of making them yourself, denotes an incredible lack of leadership and a lack of respect for your colleagues.

Many of my friends and colleagues have taken what they believed was a necessary step in leaving Vision Vancouver. I have reluctantly chosen to do the same. My reluctance comes from the faith and confidence that I have in the abilities, leadership, and knowledge of the city of the seven Vision Vancouver Councillors, and the support that I wish to show them in their roles.

Your inability to even respond to my letter and your refusal to publicly clarify your remarks and distance yourself from the Premier's politics and polities have left me with no choice.

While I will continue to work with and support the great work of all the Vision Vancouver Councillors, I will not do so as a member of Vision Vancouver.

I will be encouraging other members to do the same and leave Vision Vancouver.

You, however, have lost my confidence and my support. This is not solely because of your remarks surrounding Gordon Campbell. Instead, my decision is based on the tremendous disrespect and contempt that you have shown to these councillors, the Vision Vancouver membership, the good people who are working on the Vision Executive, and the people who voted for you.

Again, I sought answers and clarifications from you myself, and you have offered none. From what I can gather, the Vision Executive has had none. We are now in the end game of a provincial election and you have done tremendous damage.

As I mentioned in my letter that you did not respond to, I of course understand the absolute necessity of you as Mayor having a productive and respectful relationship with the Premier and his cabinet. I also understand the political benefits of appearing bi-partisan. However, your remarks very clearly and publicly crossed a line from being bi-partisan, to being partisan on the wrong side of the values of the people who elected you.

Vision Vancouver, like all political parties, is a coalition. It is a coalition that has been inspiring and demonstrated that activists and partisans from different sides of the political fence can work together to achieve a progressive government. However, at no point in the work that I have done with various facets of this party have I ever heard anything approaching the support you voiced for Gordon Campbell.

Gordon Campbell's government has been hugely destructive to our province, and our city. Regardless of personal support you might have for climate change initiatives, Mr. Campbell has led a government that has shown a revolting disregard to the people of this province. The list of offences is far too long to complete here, but in particular I would have thought you would consider such issues as Campbell's draconian cuts to women's' services, the revolting disregard for aboriginal peoples as shown through the referendum on aboriginal rights, the contempt for local democracy and city councils like yours via Bill 30, the removal of TransLink from any democratic legitimacy, the gold rush to develop private power for export, and even the issues that you yourself worked so hard on surrounding compensation for Cambie Street merchants.

You must realize that any work that you have done in the past on the right side of these issues becomes quickly negated by your effusive praise. You must realize that your failure to clarify your own remarks, even to the Vision membership, gives the impression that you have done an about-face politically, and that it is simply OK to turn a blind eye to Campbell's litany of offenses simply because the Carbon Tax takes a symbolic step towards our shared goals of tackling climate change.

Yours,

Mike Bruce

cc: Carolyn Askew, Co-Chair, Vision Vancouver
Vision Vancouver City Council Caucus

In April, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson explained his praise for Premier Gordon Campbell at a sports and environment conference this way: “I was over-exuberant in introducing the premier to an international audience.” So was he being over-exuberant when he described federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff as "hopefully our next prime minister"? This, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Joel Connelly.

Asked whether Mayor Robertson is backing Mr. Ignatieff, the former provincial New Democrat legislator's executive assistant Kevin Quinlan told Public Eye, "The mayor has met with Michael Ignatieff a number of times. And he's shown quite a bit of support for a number of issues the mayor has been campaigning on and working to implement: using infrastructure funding for social housing; supporting regional transportation issues - particularly the removal of the $1,500 charge for second Amtrak train coming up to Vancouver. Mr. Ignatieff has been quite supportive of that. And if those are the policies he's going to be implementing as prime minister, I think you'd see the mayor be quite supportive of that because those things would definitely benefit Vancouver."

But why isn't Mayor Robertson backing federal New Democrat leader Jack Layton? "Well, Mr. Layton has definitely been pretty supportive of our agenda as well," Mr. Quinlan responded. "I mean, the NDP caucus have been big backers of a national housing strategy - which, obviously, is very important to the mayor. They've also been big backers of more federal support for dealing with the gang situation out here. And if Mr. Layton is elected prime minister, I'm sure we'd see a number of policies that would benefit Vancouver on those issues and the mayor would be supportive of those too. But, ultimately, it's also about the context of what's most likely in the next parliament."

So does that mean Mayor Robertson would vote for Mr. Ignatieff over Mr. Layton? "Well, for starters, it's going to be ultimately about policies and the issues that any of the federal parties are going to be championing going into the election. The mayor's been very clear what his priorities are. It's going to be housing, it's going to be transportation, public safety, the economy - There's a whole number of issues we want to see Ottawa moving on. And, as far as any vote goes, it's going to be based on the issues and not the parties."

As for whether Mayor Robertson statement might adversely effect Vancouver's relationship with the Harper administration, Mr. Quinlan stated, "Well, the city's relationship with Ottawa goes far beyond any one comment. The mayor has met and worked closely already with ministers like James Moore and Stockwell Day on a number of big issues. And we expect that to continue. But, frankly, there is a level of frustration with Ottawa's lack of movement on a number of key issues the mayor has been working on - whether it was using infrastructure funds to support new social housing in Vancouver or the issue of a $1,500 charge on a second Amtrak train coming to Vancouver which would definitely benefit Vancouver. And, frankly, we haven't seen a lot of movement on that yet from Ottawa."

In March, New Westminster-Coquitlam federal New Democrat parliamentarian Dawn Black announced she would be resigning to run for the party's provincial nomination in New Westminster. Ms. Black has since won that seat. But who's going to be running replacing her in the house of commons. Well, there has been talk Coquitlam city councillor Fin Donnelly is interested in running for federal office. Asked about that talk, "I am considering that. And your timing is good. Next week, I'm going to be making an announcement." Mr. Donnelly confirmed he wouldn't be seeking the Liberal nomination in New Westminster-Coqutialm but declined to give further details.

Earlier, we reported former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan was among those attending last week's British Columbia federal Liberals' annual leaders' dinner. Asked about that attendance, Mr. Sullivan told Public Eye, "I just have a long-standing friendship with (Michael Ignatieff). I've known him for the last ten years. One of my most pleasant afternoons was spending a whole afternoon in The Groucho Bar with him in London."

"I invited him to speak to a group in Calgary and he came - and he was brilliant. And I invited to speak in Toronto with a good friend - and he was very generous to do that. I've read a lot of his books," he continued. "He's a very impressive intellectual. The Needs of Strangers is probably the best defence of the welfare state."

So, in summary, Mr. Sullivan said, "I'm a fan and a friend he knows I'm (federal) Conservative" - ruling out any possibility of switching parties because of Mr. Ignatieff.

The Coalition of Progressive Electors has made another mistake on its campaign financing disclosure statement. According to the statement, federal New Democrat parliamentarian Don Davies's "Kingsway office" made a $300 in-kind donation to the coalition in the form of "phone bank supplies."

But, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Davies's constituency assistant Megan Mckinney said, "I can tell you right now nothing was donated from this particularly office because we didn't exist during the municipal election. Our first day was December 15. It sounds like it was a clerical error on the part of COPE. It sounds like what's happened is they identified the constituency office as opposed to the constituency association."

New Democrat legislator David Chudnovsky says the Coalition of Progressive Electors made an error when it recorded receiving $2,200 worth of in-kind donations from his constituency office during the recent election campaign. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Chudnovsky explained those donations - which included "office equip/phones" and "sign wires" - came instead from his constituency association.

"The person who filled out that form was confused as to the difference between our constituency office and our constituency association," he said. "A letter has already gone to the city explaining the error. And there's a form that amends the form that you have seen. And that letter that will amend that report is going in within the 30 days required."

"We are really scrupulous at our office about making sure it is a non-partisan office," Mr. Chudnovsky added. "And it is a straight mistake in the reporting."

Those following the goings-on at Vision Vancouver will be interested in this squib: on March 23, Terminal City's governing civic association will be holding their annual general meeting at the Chinese Cultural Centre.

Here's some news you might not have heard about: on November 23, Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union strategic campaigns and communications director Mike Bruce resigned as a Vision Vancouver executive member. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Bruce - who has been on vacation for the past month - explained, "I wanted more time. The election was over. And I had given all my efforts into that. And we have a provincial election coming up now. And I needed the time to focus on that."

The Element Agency, the Vancouver-based advertising firm that worked on Gregor Robertson's successful mayoral campaign, has been acquired by an international communications consultancy. Element did direct mail, print and radio advertisements for the Robertson campaign. In an email sent to friends and colleagues, chief exective officer Don Millar and president Grant Draper advised that Element will remain "intact," despite being bought out by Financial Dynamics Ltd.. In fact, according to Messers. Millar and Draper, that buy out will allow Element to "take our services to the next level and greatly extend our reach," expanding its services to include public relations and research. The following is a complete copy of that email, which was distributed last Thursday.

Dear friends and colleagues,

Today we are happy to announce that Element has joined the international network of FD, one of the world's most sought after communications consultancies.

This is an exciting next step for our business and one that we have been planning for some time. It will allow us to take our services to the next level and greatly extend our reach.

FD works from 22 offices around the world and offers clients a complete range of strategic communications services. We have been impressed by the depth of the knowledge they offer due to their organization in expert specialist teams. The FD Element team will be focused, as always, on sustainability communication and issue advocacy.

Element is remaining intact and the important things will remain the same: our commitment to being there when clients need us, to collaborating on great strategy, then defining clear messages and using creative advertising and the right media mix to get the desired result.

Our belief in always staying ahead of the curve - from online video to web 2.0 advocacy, for example - is a perfect fit with our new forward-looking colleagues at FD. Our service suite will be expanded to include public relations and research, as well as sophisticated web targeting and marketing tools. With all the changes in Washington, D.C., we will be adding an office there.

You can learn more by reading the news release or by sending a note to either of us.

Sincerely yours,

Don Millar
CEO

Grant Draper
President

Earlier today, Vancouver Magazine's Frances Bula reported on an email, authored by Vision Vancouver interim external co-chair Marcella Munro, questioning the Robertson administration's handling of Olympic village fiasco. So that should give the civic association's senior members something to chat about during their upcoming Sunday retreat - which is taking place between 10:15 and 4:30 at the West End Community Centre. Those invited to the retreat include the party's elected officials, nomination candidates, election staff, consultants and executive members.

A longtime political aide to newly-elected Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson has been scooped up by the private sector. Yesterday, in an email sent to friends, Mira Oreck announced she's been hired as a senior account manager with communications firm Hoggan and Associates Inc. The firm's president, Jim Hoggan, recently - according to Vancouver Magazine's Frances Bula - "helped plan the roll-out of the Villegate media briefing."

Ms. Oreck was Mr. Robertson's campaign coordinator during his successful 2005 provincial election bid in Vancouver-Fairview and subsequently his constituency assistant. She was also Mr. Robertson's handler during his race to win the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination and the recent civic election. Ms. Oreck, the Canadian Jewish Congress's former British Columbia director, is the second Visionista to have been hired by a public affairs cosultancy in as many weeks, the first being civic association executive member Marcella Munro. The following is a complete copy of her aforementioned email.

***

From: Mira Oreck
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:10:01 -0800
Subject: Hoggan and Associates

Dear Friends,

I'm writing to let you know that I've started a new position as a Senior Account Manager at Hoggan and Associates.

I'm very excited about this new opportunity. Hoggan and Associates is a corporate communications firm that provides communications solutions and strategic advice to publicly traded companies, private start-ups, public institutions and individuals. I will be handling a wide range of public relations files.

You can find more information on Hoggan and Associates at www.hoggan.com and on our related blog: www.desmogblog.com.

I look forward to being in touch.

All the best,

Mira

Those following the controversy surrounding the Olympic village will be interested to know Vision Vancouver's executive will be meeting tonight at the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada's western region office - their first gathering since Mayor Gregor Robertson announced "city taxpayers are on the hook" for the project's billion-dollar price tag.

On Friday, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson announced, "The Olympic village is a billion-dollar project, and the city taxpayers are on the hook for all of it." That controversial announcement was made following a one-hour, not-for-attribution technical briefing with someone The Globe and Mail's Frances Bula referred to as a "senior city hall manager" - who was outed yesterday by CityCaucus.com's Mike Klassen as city manager Penny Ballem. But this isn't the first time an easily-identifiable bureaucrat has delivered such a briefing, barring cameras and recording devices from the room.

In September, someone The Globe and Mail's Justine Hunter referred to as an "official" spoke to reporters under similar conditions just before the provincial government announced deputy minister pay would be increased by an average of 7.38 percent - significantly less than their maximum allowable salary.

The following is a complete copy of the media advisory announcing the city's technical briefing. Public Eye was not part of the distribution list for that advisory. Nor did we attend the briefing.

***

City of Vancouver Media Advisory
January 9, 2009

Technical Briefing: Olympic Village

Accredited media are invited to attend a Technical Briefing with City Manager Penny Ballem for an update on the Olympic Village:

Technical Briefing
Friday, January 9, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Strathcona Room
Sub-ground, City Hall (signage and staff will help direct media)
453 West 12th Avenue

The City Manager will present the Olympic Village Public Information Update followed by an opportunity for questions and answers. ID must be shown.

The Technical briefing will not be for attribution - NO CAMERAS OR RECORDING DEVICES will be allowed into the room. Embargoed information will be distributed at the briefing. The embargo will be lifted at the end of the Technical Briefing.

After the Technical Briefing, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson will make a statement and be available to answer media questions:

3:30 pm
3rd floor foyer outside of the Mayor's office
City Hall

Vision Vancouver's interim external co-chair Marcella Munro has joined one of the Canada's most recognizable lobbying firms. In an email sent to friends and colleagues last week, Ms. Munro - who has been on the civic association's executive since 2006 - announced she's been hired as a senior consultant with Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc. But, in an interview with Public Eye, Earnscliffe British Columbia principal Bruce Young said, "We didn't hire her to do municipal work. We hired her because of her impeccable media relations and communications skills," citing her experience as a Canada Now reporter.

"And we needed someone who had worked in a newsroom and really had that depth of experience beyond media relations from a purely governmental, political background. And she's done all manner of communications. She's done work in the development industry. And because she's one of the foremost communications professionals in the province, we felt we should take the best athlete on the street," continued Mr. Young.

But, in an interview, Vancouver Magazine civic affairs columnist Frances Bula still wondered, "if they're doing this because they feel like they need some connection to this civic party." Nevertheless, Ms. Bula said "one of the things that really impressed me about Marcella was the quality of her opposition research - which was head and shoulders above what you usually get from people running campaigns."

The following is a complete copy of Ms. Munro's aforementioned email.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: "Marcella Munro"
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 10:54:42
Subject: Happy New Year! I'm changing jobs!

Hello friends and colleagues,

Sorry for the group email.

I'm writing to let you know that, as of Monday January 5, 2009, I'm taking a new position as Senior Consultant with Earnscliffe Strategy Group.

It has been an honour and privilege to work with Cressey Development these last two years, and I want to especially thank Hani Lammam and Scott Cressey for the opportunity.

I'll be handling a wide range of government and public relations files for Earnscliffe, and looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

I've attached a vCard with all my new contact information for your convenience.

Happy New Year!

Marcella

Chris Dorais - who is running for re-election as a trustee - was charged with driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 on March 8, Public Eye has exclusively learned. He has pleaded not guilty. Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokesperson Annie Linteau said Mr. Dorais' vehicle was stopped at 1:30 a.m. for excessive speeding while travelling westbound on Highway 1, west of Gaglardi Way. Const. Linteau said the officer who pulled Mr. Dorais over "formed the opinion that the person's ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired."

Mr. Dorais provided a breath sample and was released on a promise to appear in court. He was given an administrative driving prohibition and his vehicle was towed.

Reached yesterday, Mr. Dorais didn't have any comment on the incident except to say he's disputing the charge.

Mr. Dorais, a Hospital Employees' Union representative who was first elected to the school board in 2002, added, "I'm not hiding it. If it was impacting my job, then certainly I would have an obligation" - to let constituents know about the charge. "But it hasn't. And I don't see it ever impacting my job."

Mr. Dorais's trial is scheduled for May 11, 2009 - six months after North Vancouverites vote on his re-election. His first court appearance was on June 17.

Today, in an interview with Public Eye, Vancouver District Labour Council president Bill Saunders criticized the Christian Labour Association of Canada as being "an employer-dominated, conciliatory organization that doesn't serve the interests of workers." But, in an email response, association public affairs director Alex Pannu pushed back writing, "The comments by the V & D Labour Council about CLAC reflect the fundamental differences between CLAC and Old Labour."

"CLAC does not support political candidates. We don't tell our members who to vote for and we don't spend members' dues on partisan political causes or candidates," Mr. Pannu continued. "With more than 50,000 members, CLAC is larger than any employer. We are Canada's fastest growing union at a time of declining union membership among Old Labour unions. We serve CLAC workers by providing effective, responsive representation, negotiating excellent wages and benefits and spending members' dues on services that they want such as free training."

"I look at this as a guy in a union getting support from members of other unions." That's what North Vancouver city council hopeful Rod Clark told us yesterday when asked about the Vancouver District Labour Council's decision to endorse his candidacy. But the union Mr. Clark belongs to - the Christian Labour Association of Canada - has a troubled relationship with the labour movement. In fact, in an interview with Public Eye, council president Bill Saunders Mr. Clark's association membership would "normally be kind of a killer. The trade union movement does not like CLAC. We do not consider it to be a true labour union. We consider it to be an employer-dominated, conciliatory organization that doesn't serve the interests of workers. But, having said that, that's the organization CLAC. According to Mr. Clark, he's just a member of CLAC because of where he works. And that's hard to hold against someone" - adding Mr. Clark isn't an association organizer.

"We support him because he was asked direct questions about issues of concern to our members and our affiliates - such as his position on transit. And it was his answers to those questions - and his recent record on those issues - that got him the endorsement. And it wasn't the fact that he happened to be a member of CLAC," continued Mr. Saunders. "We're trying not to hold it against him. We're not discriminating against the guy. Because it's something that's not in his control."

Mr. Saunders said council delegates also discussed Mr. Clark's past reported opposition to the deprivatization of garbage collection services in North Vancouver - along with his history of accusing local politicians who accept union donations of being in a conflict of interest. "But that affected CUPE. And CUPE is endorsing him" after having asked Mr. Clark about those issues. Mr. Saunders said it's his understanding Mr. Clark no longer supports privatized collection services. And if the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 389 is satisfied with his answers, said Mr. Saunders, "Who am I to disagree?"

Delegates voted to endorse Mr. Clark on October 21.

Last week, the Vancouver District Labour Council announced endorsed former North Vancouver city councillor Rod Clark bid to return to local office. But the council's endorsement, along with that of Canadian Union Public Employees Local 389, may seem a bit odd to some.

* In a September 1999 interview with The Vancouver Sun's Glenn Bohn, the then former councillor claimed local politicians who accept union campaign donations are in a "moral conflict." And, as an example of how those donations have influenced city policies, he cited North Vancouver's decision to stop contracting out garbage collection services, giving those jobs to Canadian Union of Public Employees members. As a councillor, Mr. Clark - according to The Vancouver Sun's Karen Gram - voted against that deprivatization decision in 1991. Asked about that report, Mr. Clark told Public Eye he "supported a bid process" when the service contract came up for renewal. "And that didn't go ahead."

* In 1991, Mr. Clark accused his council colleagues Barb Sharp and Bill Bell of being in a conflict of interest when they voted to purchase a garbage truck. The reason: that truck would be used by members of the union that contributed to Mr. Bell and Ms. Sharp's election campaigns. This, according to report by Ms. Gram.

* In 1990, Ms. Gram reported Mr. Clark was considering running for the Socred nomination in North Vancouver-Lonsdale. And, last month, Mr. Bell - writing for the North Shore News - reminded readers about Mr. Clark's failed 1993 bid to win the federal Reform nomination in North Vancouver, where was defeated by future parliamentarian Ted White.

Asked about his union endorsements, Mr. Clark - who describes himself as a "fiscal conservative but very much in the centre politically - told Public Eye, "As far as me accepting CUPE and VDLC endorsement this time, I happen to be a member of a union. I'm a proud of member of something called CLAC - the Christian Labour Association of Canada. And I have been for a short-time now, so I look at this as a guy in a union getting support from members of other unions - that's all."

But what about his past accusations that those who accept union donations put themselves in a conflict of interest? "You read the article by Bill Bell. Okay. Fine. I shook my finger at him. And I told him he was wrong to take the money. We sent it to the lawyer and the lawyer sided with him."

"I know what you're trying to do," he continued. "You're trying to sell papers. And you're trying to paint me in a corner. I am a trade unionist. And I'm being supported by other members of the union."

But don't these endorsements suggest his values have evolved? "There's nothing inherently wrong with unions. They've done our country a great deal of good," he responded. "Maybe I have evolved. I don't know. But I can tell one thing - there's nothing wrong with what I'm doing."

Earlier, we reported the "apolitical" Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre donated four tickets that were auctioned off at the provincial Liberal's annual Leader's Open Golf Tournament. But this isn't the first time the aquarium, a registered charity, has made political headlines. In 2005, The Georgia Straight's Charlie Smith reported the aquarium's president and chief executive officer John Nightingale sent an email to the charity's members prior to the last civic election "highlighting" statements made by various park board candidates. According to Mr. Smith, Mr. Nightingale noted "the aquarium couldn't tell its members which candidates to support." Although the aquarium president did state, "If you care about your Aquarium, and the animals that live there, don't let a small group of activists decide our future. Vote wisely on November 19 and ask your friends and family to do the same."

Since the eighties, it has become reasonably common in Canada to see political party election wipe-outs. Federally we saw the Liberals reduced to 40 seats in 1984 and the Progressive Conservatives to two n 1993. In British Columbia we saw the same thing happen to the Socreds in 1991 and the New Democrats in 2001. And there is an increasingly likely scenario in the present federal election where the Grits could be reduced to a rump.

In the first week of the election we have seen a large set of polling data coming out, including one released on September 7 by The Strategic Counsel Inc. surveying 45 battleground ridings. The data coming out of that poll paints a horrific picture for the Liberals "with the Tories in first place in the key swing constituencies."

And, to make matters worse, party leader Stephane Dion is clearly unpopular with Canadians. According to a poll released by EKOS Research Inc. on the same day, just 46 percent of Liberal supporters thought Mr. Dion would make the best prime minister, with 14 percent choosing New Democrat leader Jack Layton instead.

Moreover, the Grits' campaign performance has been less polished then in years past. And the press has taken notice, writing the beginnings of a storyline that will could conclude with the Liberals campaign in crisis. If this happens, then a Grit wipe-out is almost guaranteed.

But we're not there yet. There are various ways to estimate the number of seats a party will win. When extrapolating the current poll results, I use a methodology that weighs each party's chances in a riding from 0 to 100 percent. These numbers are modified as new numbers come out, with surveys being weighed based on size, how long ago it was and which company conducted the poll. Based on what the polls say at the moment, if an election were held today, the seat distribution would be:

Conservatives 165
Liberals 80
Bloc Quebecois 37
New Democrats 25
Independent 1

But those polls are only a snapshot of the present. It's still more than a month before Canadians go to the ballot boxes. And things will be different by then. I have run numerous scenarios based on what might happen in an election, assuming the current trends stay the same. And the most realistic looking scenario shows a dramatic result.

Conservatives 43 percent
Liberals 21 percent
New Democrats 19 percent
Bloc Quebecois 8 percent
Greens 8 percent

The median result using roughly the above numbers would mean:

Conservatives 205 seats
New Democrats 36 seats
Bloc Quebecois 35 seats
Liberals 31 seats
Independent 1 seat

The Liberals suffer because their vote is spread out over a lot more ground. During the last election, the party got more than 25 percent of the vote in 186 ridings and under 10 percent in 25 ridings. The New Democrats, meanwhile, got more than 25 percent in only 64 ridings while polling under 10 percent in almost 100 ridings.

That means, in this campaign, the New Democrats only need to worry about 50 to 60 ridings. The Liberals have to worry about a lot more. A drop in the Liberal vote quickly turns a lot of Liberal seats in Conservative seats.

And in about 40 to 50 ridings the New Democrats may benefit from strategic voting, with Liberals If it becomes clear a rout of the Liberals is underway, a lot of progressives may begin to vote New Democrat strategically to defeat the Conservatives. I haven't yet fully modeled this. But, if it were to occur in Vancouver and Toronto, this could add an additional 15 seats to the New Democrat total - taking away five from the Conservatives and 10 from the Liberals.

Bernard Schulmann, a policy and land use consultant, was recently the provincial campaign coordinator for Yes for BC-STV. In 1999, he predicted “the New Democratic Party is looking at four safe seats” in the 2001 election. “A complete shutout is not an impossibility.” Mr. Schulmann is presently a member of the provincial Liberals and federal Conservatives. He blogs at BC Iconoclast.

Earlier, we reported a number of Vision Vancouver parks board candidates have been sharing resources and working together to win slots on the civic association's slate. And now we've learned council hopefuls Kashmir Dhaliwal, Kerry Jang and Andrea Reimer are printing a mailer jointly promoting their candidacies, which will soon be sent to association members.

Steve Tannock has sent an open letter to Vision Vancouver members, warning that it's possible the civic association "will end up nominating only one female candidate at each level" - school board, parks board and council. As a result, the parks board nomination candidate is calling on members to "consider whether the list of nominees you are supporting includes women, and how the slate you're choosing represents Vancouver's gender balance, Vision's progressive ideals, and the issues directly affecting the women of Vancouver." And he's recommending the party's executive "strike a committee to investigate electoral gender parity issues and to present the committee's suggestions to the Vision membership for a vote on at our next AGM." The following is a complete copy of that email.

From: Stv.
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 4:14 PM
Subject: An Open letter to Vision Members

A Challenge: Electoral Gender Parity

Posted on August 28, 2008, http://myparklife.ca/?p=1663

We all know that at this point, Vision Vancouver has an amazing set of potential candidates - at current count, we have 15 Council Candidates, 12 Park Board Candidates and 7 School Board Candidates. That's a total of 34 candidates. However, there are a total of only 11 female candidates running for spots on the various components of municipal government. Breaking it down by board, there are 4 City Council, 4 School Board and 3 Parks Board candidates who are women.

The United Nations says that a critical mass of at least 30% women is needed before legislatures produce public policy representing women's concerns and before political institutions begin to change the way they do business (see more here [http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/egm/eql-men/FinalReport.pdf] , here [http://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/meetings/2004/EGMelectoral/FinalReport.PDF] (both PDFs) and here [http://www.un.org/womenwatch/]).

source: Equal Voice [http://www.equalvoice.ca/idx.php?rl=212].

If I'm reading Frances Bula‘s list correctly, the NPA have already nominated 4 women as City Council candidates, 3 as School Board candidates and 2 as Parks Board candidates - meaning that they've already reached the magic (if we can say that magic = the minimum threshold) 30% mark for Council and School Board, and are one short of meeting that minimum threshold for Parks Board. Of course, the NPA has significantly less geographic, ethnic and age diversity than is present amongst the Vision nominees, and these considerations are also very important.

Reading the tea leaves for Vision, however, worries me - it strikes me as all too possible that the Vision Vancouver membership will end up nominating only one female candidate at each level. However, while the NPA can do very little at this point to change the make-up of their candidates, the door is wide open for Vision Vancouver to prove that not only is it the most ethnically and geographically diverse party, but it is also has understood and met the needs of gender equity.

So here's my challenge to us all:

* Vision Membership: You have the most important role to play in achieving a more balanced slate. Your votes will determine who represents our party in this fall's municipal election. When deciding upon who to vote for, consider whether the list of nominees you are supporting includes women, and how the slate you're choosing represents Vancouver's gender balance, Vision's progressive ideals, and the issues directly affecting the women of Vancouver.

* Vision Candidates: We all want to be nominated, I know, so asking you (and I speak primarily to my fellow male candidates here) to actively support your fellow female candidates may seem odd, but here's my challenge. Choose at least two non-incumbent women for whichever office you're running for, and ask them what you can do to help them get nominated. They may refuse, but they may not. This is not meant in a patronising, ‘women-need-men's-help-to-get-elected' way; but rather the stark reality is that there's a severe gender imbalance amongst the candidates. It's easy to think that nominating only one non-incumbent woman counts as progressive, but it is mistaken. Nominating more women candidates is essential if we are serious about seeing more women elected. Regardless, when emailing your supporters, let them know the importance of nominating female candidates, and endorse at least two non-incumbent women candidates for each office.

* Vision Executive: After this election cycle is complete, I challenge you to strike a committee to investigate electoral gender parity issues and to present the committee's suggestions to the Vision membership for a vote on at our next AGM.

Respectfully,

Steven Tannock

The Non-Partisan Association has been Vancouver's governing civic party since November 2005. But the association's mayoral candidate Peter Ladner seems determined to rewrite history. Because, in a fundraising email distributed today, Mr. Ladner tell recipients they can "help give Vancouver the change it wants and the experience it needs by making a quick and secure donation" to his campaign. Fancy that! The following is a complete copy of that email.

The municipal election may be two months away, but with a likely federal election that will draw attention and resources your support is needed now.

Peter Ladner has met with more than 100 community groups and leaders across Vancouver since he was elected the Non-Partisan Association nominee for Mayor in June.

Voters clearly want to see changes in Vancouver. They want less talk from City Hall and more action. Vancouverites want a Mayor and Council that will work to make Vancouver the safest, greenest, most internationally competitive and affordable city in North America.

You can help give Vancouver the change it wants and the experience it needs by making a quick and secure donation on-line at http://www.peterladner.ca/donate.php.

Attending the NPA nomination meeting on Saturday, September 13 is another important way to make a difference. NPA members will vote for Council, School Trustee and Park Board nominees.

The meeting will include Peter Ladner's first major speech of the campaign at 1:00 p.m.

NPA Nomination Meeting
Saturday, September 13
Croation Cultural Centre
3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
- Voting: 10:00 - 1:00 p.m.
- Food, refreshments and rally: 12:30 p.m. (bring your family!)
- Speech by Peter Ladner: 1:00 p.m.

There's no doubt this municipal election will be a tough battle for Peter Ladner and the NPA. Vision Vancouver is a stalking horse for the NDP and well-funded labour unions and their campaign to take over the provincial government.

Now is not the time to experiment with an untested Mayoral candidate or a haphazardly organized crowd of political ideologues.

Remember, the Olympics are only 17 months away.

The Peter Ladner for Mayor and NPA Campaign Team thanks you for your support!

Take Action Now…
Volunteer: peterladnercampaign@gmail.com
Plan to Vote: http://www.peterladner.ca/how_to_support.php
Register to Vote: https://eregister.electionsbc.gov.bc.ca/ovr/welcome.aspx
Donate: http://www.peterladner.ca/donate.php
Blog: http://www.peterladner.ca/blog/

Yesterday, the Vancouver Courier's Mike Howell reported Vision Vancouver council hopeful Vaune Adams Kolber "wasn't too happy" with him for using the headline "Girl Power" in an article covering her candidacy. According to Mr. Howell, she found the term "disrespectful." But Ms. Adams Kolber - and the civic association's other female candidates - could soon be showing off their political muscles for the camera. Efforts are being made to schedule a photo shoot with those candidates for publicity and posterity purposes.

This morning, Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson handed out flyers and spoke with bus riders at the Commercial Drive B-line stop. But Mr. Robertson was running a bit behind schedule, showing up about 15 minutes late to the planned 7:30 event. Meanwhile, his Non-Partisan Association competitor Peter Ladner arrived at the same bus stop for his own 7:30 event about 10 minutes early. Fancy that!

Another squib from the Vision Vancouver nomination race: our understand is that parks board hopefuls Constances Barnes, Sarah Blyth, Raj Hundal and Aaron Jasper - along with Tony Kosovic - are sharing resources and working together to win slots on the civic association's slate.

Last week, in an interview with Public Eye, Vision Vancouver nomination candidate Thomas Lockhart complained, "I just did an article with Sandra Thomas from The Vancouver Courier and during the hour-long conversation I never once mentioned guns or firearms. And yet she peppered the entire thing with references to guns and firearms." But that's not how Ms. Thomas remembers their conversation.

In an email to 24 hours, the reporter writes, "Lockhart made several references to guns and asked that if I were to mention his hobby, that I refer to his guns as 'firearms.' I also did not 'pepper' the article with references to guns and mentioned his hobby just once in a sentence that reads, 'Lockhart and Gregson also share a love of Harley Davidson motorcycles and both are big firearm enthusiasts.'"

Here at Public Eye, we know some of our readers may have strong feelings about our reportage from time to time. For example, yesterday, Vision Vancouver parks board nomination candidate Thomas Lockhart said, "What can I say. You don't have to publish it. But, if you're going to be an asshole, you're going to ruin my political career." This, in response to questions about an account of his grenade-throwing experience in Cambodia. So now is your opportunity share those feelings anonymously. Because, today, 24 hours's online poll is asking this question: "Is 24 hours reporter Sean Holman an a--hole?"

This week, tattoo artist Thomas Lockhart - the long-time partner of school trustee Sharon Gregson - announced he would be seeking a Vision Vancouver parks board nomination. But his bid for elected office might not be without controversy. An example: last year, during a visit to Cambodia, Mr. Lockhart visited an army base. And he sent this account of his experience to a friend: "I have to admit, nothing quite makes your asshole pucker like playing around with live hand grenades. I wasn't expecting that snap of the initial fuse (you can see me jump .... it sets of a 5 second delay acid fuse that ignites about a pound of explosives. A lot of those 3rd world Com Block nations (Vietnam, China) will also allow you use their military facilities .... for a price. For two hundred bucks you can fire off a rocket launcher ..... and for another 300 the wankers will even supply a cow.”

In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Lockhart - a competitive shooter and firearm enthusiast - said he and Ms. Gregson took a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam in 2007. "And they have a lot of ammunitions left over from the Vietnam War and their own civil strife. And that's how the army makes money. You go down to the army bases there and they give you training courses on how to fire military weapons. And one of the places down there in Cambodia - Phnom Penh - they also had grenades there. Well, wouldn't you take a course on how to throw grenades? I did anyway."

"You've got to keep it in context," continued Mr. Lockhart, who has practiced at shooting ranges around the world, including ones in Australia, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and Zimbabwe. "That was under the instruction of a bunch of military officers. You know, I admit it. I just did an article with Sandra Thomas from The Vancouver Courier and during the hour-long conversation I never once mentioned guns or firearms. And yet she peppered the entire thing with references to guns and firearms. It is one of my sports. But it's not my entire life. The media seems to grab onto this and make such a big stink - same with Sharon - about guns."

Mr. Lockhart added the email, which was posted on actor Leo Chiang's blog, was supposed to have been "private." The posting also included a video clip of the prospective parks board candidate throwing a grenade into a pond. Both were removed from the blog following our conversation with Mr. Lockhart.

Offered an opportunity to explain his words and actions to Vision Vancouver members who might take offence to his grenade-throwing email, Mr. Lockhart said, "What can I say. You don't have to publish it. But, if you're going to be an asshole, you're going to ruin my political career. And, of course, I'm going to really appreciate that."

News of Mr. Lockhart's impending candidacy was first reported by Vancouver Magazine's Frances Bula.

Last month, Vision Vancouver announced its nomination meeting for council, park and school board candidates would be held on September 20. But civic association members will also have an opportunity to cast their nomination ballots during an advanced poll scheduled for September 15. At least, that's what candidates were told last Friday.

Last month, former provincial Liberal backbencher Richard Stewart announced he would be running against incumbent Maxine Wilson to be mayor of Coqutilam. And, according to Mr. Stewart's Facebook profile, that campaign has an unlikely endorser - former New Democrat legislator Tim Stevenson. Writing on his wall, Mr. Stevenson stated, "I'll be right there for you. No problem. I'm rooting for you. You're the man. You're the one. Etc., etc..........Go get her tiger." Asked about that comment, the Vancouver councillor explained, "It's a bit of joke....I haven't ever ventured into other people's municipalities. So I'm sort of reticent to do that. But he and I have joked for quite a long time about him running to beat Maxime. And I have always said, 'Just send me a cheque. And I'll fill it out for you.' But I didn't mean literally on the cheque part either."

So would Mr. Stevenson actually endorse Mr. Stewart? "Well, from what I know of him, he's a pretty good guy. But I really don't know. The only thing I ever see of her is at Metro meetings. And I don't know him at all outside of official regional meetings. I don't know him. But he seems like a fairly decent guy. And I know there's a lot of discontent with Maxime among the councillors."

Former provincial New Democrat cabinet minister Ian Waddell may once again be running for public office. But he doesn't want to be a MLA. Nor does the former Vancouver Kingsway and Port Moody-Coquitlam parliamentarian want to be a MP. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Waddell confirmed he's considering seeking a Vision Vancouver parks board nomination. "I'm thinking about it. I haven't made a final decision" - something that will happen in two weeks time. On October 10, 2006 Mr. Waddell, announced he would be "retiring from electoral politics." The following is a complete copy of that two-year-old news release.

VANCOUVER, Oct. 10 /CNW/ - Four term federal member of Parliament and former British Columbia cabinet minister Ian Waddell is encouraging a new generation of political activists to seek the New Democratic Party nomination in the federal riding of Vancouver-Kingsway.

Waddell represented the riding through the 1980's and was narrowly defeated in the federal elections of 2004 and 2006 by David Emmerson.

"Vancouver-Kingsway has a long tradition of being represented by the New Democratic Party and given the behaviour of its current party-swapping Member of Parliament it is certainly winnable again," said Waddell.

Waddell has asked the NDP Vancouver-Kingsway constituency association to set a nomination meeting as soon as possible.

"I had the honour of representing the concerns of my constituents and citizens across Canada in national debates that spanned the repatriation of the constitution, the National Energy Policy and the creation of the International Criminal Court. It's time for a new generation of committed social democrats to take the lead in building a progressive and compassionate country," said Waddell.

While Waddell is retiring from electoral politics he will remain active in the Sierra Club of Canada, the Arts Club of Vancouver and on the issue of homelessness. He will also return to his roots as a storefront lawyer, working on Vancouver's Main Street. Waddell will continue to be available for progressive commentary on current affairs.

More Vision Vancouver council nomination news: Dimitri Douzenis is announcing tomorrow that he'll be seeking a slot of the civic association's slate. Mr. Douzenis, the vice-president of the Hellenic-Canadian Congress of BC, "completed an Arts & Science Diploma at Langara College before pursuing further undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Québec, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Australia. His international education includes multiple languages, political science, sociology, diplomacy, and law - expertise that can be directly applied to the high demands of governance in Vancouver." This, according to the Facebook group promoting his candidacy. The following is a complete copy of the invite to the aforementioned announcement.

Dear friends,

We, as Vancouverites, are facing a difficult yet exciting time in the years ahead. What has the potential to mature into a thriving world-class city is also facing the pains of rapid growth. There are pressing issues that we can all relate to, such as affordability, transportation, and general life in the city. There are also other less apparent issues, or rather, issues that have been inadequately addressed... Homelessness, the environment, safety, and culture are amongst these.

Admittedly, I have not been involved in municipal politics prior to this. I can say from my heart that I feel compelled to act now as these issues will determine how we, and the forthcoming generations, will live.

As you know, I have always been involved in my community. I am a strong believer in contributing to where one lives, in the hopes that one can make some difference. It is because of this sense of responsibility and passion I have for this city that I have decided to make a run for Vancouver City Council under Vision Vancouver.

PLEASE JOIN ME at 11am this Wednesday, July 16th at the Hellenic Community Centre (4500 Arbutus St), in the “Upper Hall” at the rear of the building. We are hosting a press conference, where I will be formally announcing my candidacy and offering some of the hopes and aspirations that I have for our spectacular city.

I do hope that you, your family, and friends can make it for my campaign launch as your support and encouragement would be most appreciated.

Help me deliver a new energy to a revitalised Vancouver.

Please let me know if you are able to make it so that I may organise for refreshments, etc. I hope to see you all this Wednesday morning!

Kind Regards,

Demitri

Back in March, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported "one potential (Vision Vancouver) council candidate who won't be running is David Eby, the lawyer for Pivot Legal who has been such an articulate champion on Downtown Eastside housing issues. Eby said it's just not the right time for him, for personal reasons." But our understanding is that may have changed. And now a Facebook group - David Eby for Vancouver City Council! - has been established by BC Health Coalition medicare campaigner Leslie Dickout to "encourage" him to make the run. The following is a complete copy of the description of that group.

This is to encourage David Eby to run for City Council. Why? Because Vancouver needs to do politics differently.

David Eby is a 31-year-old lawyer who works full time with the Pivot Legal Society in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

A graduate of the Dalhousie Law School in Halifax, Nova Scotia, David co-founded the Social Activist Law Student Association and the IdeaLaw Conference. He was awarded one of the Alistair Fraser Scholarships in Law, the G.O. Forsyth Prize, and the Canadian Bar Association (NS Branch) Scholarship. David was called to the British Columbia bar in 2005.

David has spoken throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, across Canada, and internationally on issues of homelessness and housing affordability. In 2007 David was invited to Geneva, Switzerland to present to representatives of the International Olympic Committee and UN Habitat.

Recognized in Vancouver Magazine's Power 50 issue as one of Vancouver's most influential advocates, David is also the author or lead editor of five publications on the state of housing and social sustainability and inclusivity in Vancouver, including:

- Cultural Divide: A Neighbourhood Study of Immigrant Rental Housing in North Mount Pleasant
- Cracks in the Foundation: Solving Vancouver's Low-income Housing Crisis; and,
- Special Report on Housing Solutions for the Downtown Eastside.

Through his work with Pivot David also hosted the UN Special Rapporteur for Housing during the Rapporteur's first ever visit to Vancouver.

Among other roles, David is also:

* The Vice-President of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network

* Co-chair of the Urban Core Community Service Provider Coalition

* A Research Associate with the B.C. Centre for Policy Alternatives

* Board member with the B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the Impact of the Olympics on Community Coalition.

David is also a guitarist and vocalist for the band World of Science, which charted on campus and community radio stations across Canada in 2008, including: hitting #5 on CKXU in Lethbridge, Alberta; #7 on CIUT in Toronto; and #2 on CHOQ in Quebec.

Long-time education advocate Patti Bacchus isn't the only one announcing her intent to run for a Vision Vancouver nomination tomorrow. BC Society for Public Education president Catherine Evans is also going to be launching her campaign for a seat on the civic association's council slate. Last year, Ms. Evans ran for the federal Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Quadra against Joyce Murray. The following is a complete copy of the invite to that launch.

Dear friends,

I invite you to become part of an exciting new political force in Vancouver's municipal politics. Please join me on Tuesday, July 8th, at 9:30 am at the Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews (at Davie & Pacific) for the launch of my campaign to become a Vision Vancouver nominee for Vancouver City Council. Signs will direct you to the specific room (where you will also find coffee and muffins).

Now is a crucial time for our city to be clear about what our priorities need to be. For me they are poverty, sustainability, our public infrastructure, and the environment. I hope you share these priorities and will help me secure a place on Vancouver's City Council. Your support and your vote at Vision Vancouver's nomination meeting in September are critical, but you can start by letting me know if you can come on Tuesday.

Please also let me know if I can call on you later for your support.

With me on Tuesday will be Patti Bacchus, who is launching her own campaign to become a Vision Vancouver Board of Education Trustee. Patti and I share many common views about the important role played by public schools in the life of our city.

Yours truly,

Catherine

Last month, Vision Vancouver chosen Gregor Robertson as its mayoral candidate. But who will be the non-incumbent candidates running on the civic association's slate, you may wonder? Well, Geoff Meggs has already declared he'll be running for a council nomination - as has Kerry Jang And, as of tomorrow, they'll have some company. Because that's when long-time education advocate Patti Bacchus will announce her intent to run for a Vision Vancouver school board nomination - having already launched a Website to promote that bid.

Last month, incumbent candidate Sam Sullivan lost the Non-Partisan Assocation's mayoral nomination to councillor Peter Ladner. So it should come as no surprise the mayor's chief of staff Daniel Fontaine is also departing politics. In an email to friends, Mr. Fontaine writes "that effective August 18th, I will be moving on from the Mayor's Office and will start my new position as the Vice-President of Communications and Marketing for MITACS (The Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems)." The following is a complete copy of that email.

From: Fontaine, Daniel
Sent: July 4, 2008 2:46 PM
Subject: Moving on from Mayor's Office

Dear Friends,

I am writing to let you know that effective August 18th, I will be moving on from the Mayor's Office and will start my new position as Vice-President of Communications and Marketing for MITACS (The Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems) www.mitacs.ca.

Established in 1999, MITACS works in partnership with over 250 private companies, crown corporations, federal and provincial government departments and not-for-profit organizations and more than 450 university researchers across Canada to advance research in the mathematical sciences. MITACS leads Canada's effort in the generation, application and commercialization of new mathematical tools and methodologies within a world-class research program.

MITACS is working to improve Canada's international competitiveness by focusing its research on five key sectors of the economy: Biomedical & Health, Environment & Natural Resources, Information Processing, Risk & Finance and Communication, Networks & Security. MITACS also manages ACCELERATE BC - BC's Graduate Research Internship Program. The program connects BC graduate students with companies across the province through collaborative research projects.

I will be working out of their Burnaby headquarters located at the Simon Fraser University campus.

It truly has been an honour and a privilege to work closely with Mayor Sullivan, staff and Council over these last 2 1/2 years.

I will provide you with my new coordinates once they are all confirmed.

Sincerely,

Daniel

Earlier, we reported Coalition of Progressive Electors external co-chairperson Ellen Woodsworth took an apparent poke at Vision Vancouver in a recent fundraising email - noting her party's finances "are not supplemented by money from the developers or the gambling industry or big businesses." But, in an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Woodsworth said that wasn't her intention. According to the former councillor, the email "wasn't meant to be directed at Vision. The NPA takes gambling and developers money. Most of the major parties do...I think all I'm trying to say is that we don't have access to big chunks of funding. We're funded mainly by individuals and, at election time, the unions do make contributions. But mostly our day-to-day funding comes from individual people giving donations to us."

The Coalition of Progressive Electors claims it's looking forward to sitting down with Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson to discuss a "joint mayor, joint slate, co-operative campaign and common platform." This, according to an email sent to coalition members by the association's external co-chairperson Ellen Woodsworth. So eyebrows were raised when Ms. Woodsworth from seemed to take a poke at Vision Vancouver in her invitation to the coalition's upcoming summer barbeque fundraiser.

"Whatever happens," she writes, "we need to ensure that COPE continues to be a strong and vital organization. In order to do that we need money!!" The reason: "COPE's finances are not supplemented by money from the developers or the gambling industry or big business."

Unlike, for example, Vision Vancouver - a point former councillor Tim Louis made at the coalition's last annual general meeting. According to The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula, Mr. Louis criticized Vision Vancouver at that meeting because "Their single largest donor was an Internet gambling operator. Their donations from gambling were only surpassed by the donations from developers." The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned emails.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Ellen Woodsworth
Sent: July 1, 2008 5:15 PM
Subject: [ewoods-announce] COPE

Dear Friends,

As you know COPE continues to work for unity with Vision Vancouver and other progressives in the city. We are hopeful things can be worked out over the next (short) period of time and will report to you on the progress. Whatever happens, we need to ensure that COPE continues to be a strong and vital organization. In order to do that we need money!! Yes, it's as always. COPE's finances are not supplemented by money from the developers or the gambling industry or big business. It's we little folks who have kept this organization going for 40 years and we need to continue that work. So, if you can buy a couple of tickets to the Summer Salmon Barbeque on July 17, that too would be most helpful. (See details below.) It's also one of our most fun events of the year - a beautiful summer night on the deck of the Rowing Club, chatting with friends, etc. What could be better??!!

Finally, please pass on the COPE newsletter below to all your lists. It sets out a bit about where things are at right now and our message needs to be heard. Your help is most appreciated.

Cheers,

Ellen Woodsworth

***

June 20, 2008: Message to Members; Wong seeks COPE nomination; Salmon BBQ
Message to COPE members and Supporters

Dear Friends,

This has been an intense two weeks. COPE had a jam-packed AGM. The NPA defeated incumbent Mayor Sam Sullivan and nominated Peter Ladner, who has voted with Sam on 99.9 per cent of the issues. And Vision Vancouver nominated Gregor Robertson as its mayoral candidate.

In his acceptance speech, Gregor reached out to COPE. I have conveyed congratulations to him and asked for a meeting to discuss how we can work together to defeat Ladner and the NPA this November. Our negotiating team looks forward to sitting down with Gregor on the basis of the proposals we've made to Vision -- a joint mayor, joint slate, co-operative campaign and common platform.

Vancouver faces enormous challenges. There is a health crisis in the Downtown East Side, affordable housing is being replaced by million dollar condos, tenants are facing skyrocketing rents, and many seniors are at risk of homelessness. While working people, students and seniors watch crowded buses pass them by, Ladner and the NPA supported fare hikes. And while we need a real environmental policy, the NPA is pushing its so-called ‘eco-density' plan - which is just a cover for increasing developer profits.

COPE Cllr David Cadman says that “what makes this year especially exciting for us is that finally a Vancouver municipal election will be fought over affordable housing, transportation and environmental sustainability. These are COPE's issues, since we began in 1968. Furthermore, the nomination of Mr. Robertson creates an important opportunity for our city. The numbers are clear, if we work together, we can return progressive government to City Hall.”

The stakes are just as high at Park and School Board where COPE representatives have held the NPA to account and put forward real solutions.

COPE park commissioners worked with community groups to defeat ridiculous NPA schemes like trading public space in Pacific Spirit Park for an elite private golf course, cutting community centre funding, putting robot dinosaurs in Stanley Park, and erecting a giant, for-profit tourist tower over Queen Elizabeth Park.

Allied with parents and teachers, COPE school trustees stopped the sale of public school property, advocated for students with special needs, called attention to the immediate need for seismic upgrading, and saved two vital elementary annexes from closing.

COPE must remain a vital part of city government so our priorities, principles and values continue to shape Vancouver for another four decades.

That's why your COPE Executive remains committed to pursuing a principled coalition with other progressive groups to defeat the NPA. We'll work hard to make sure that happens, but we are also continuing our preparations for an independent campaign if that becomes necessary.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you at the COPE Annual Salmon Barbecue on July 17 at the Stanley Park Rowing Club.

Ellen Woodsworth,
External Co-Chairperson

This morning, we reported Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination candidates Gregor Robertson and Raymond Louie have signed-up around 5,500 and between 4,000 and 4,500 members respectively. Now, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula is reporting Louie campaign manager Neil Monckton has confirmed "Raymond had 4,500-5,000 supporters, which is comprised of new members plus their estimate of how many supporters they have among the pre-existing 2,000 members." Meanwhile, Robertson campaign spokesperson Brad Zubyk told Ms. Bula "there are at least 5,5000 new members" listed on his candidate's spreadhseat. And what about Messrs. Robertson and Louie's competitor Allan De Genova? Well, our understanding is the De Genova campaign is claiming 4,000 sign-ups.

The Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination membership drive may be over. But it didn't come off without a hitch. On April 29, provincial New Democrat president Jeff Fox notified the civic association that many of his members were "concerned that BC NDP membership lists have either directly or indirectly found their way into the hands of the Vision campaign." The reason: a number of them have "called our office to advise that they have been contacted by phone by one of the candidate campaigns for Vision Vancouver." The letter doesn't name the campaign. But Mr. Fox goes onto to ask Vision Vancouver to "advise candidates and their campaigns that under no circumstances should they avail themselves of lists that are know to be or arising from current or past membership lists of the BC NDP." The following is a complete copy of that letter.

April 29, 2008

Vision Vancouver
Carolyn Askew, President
Mike Magee, President
PO Box 4635, Station Main,
Vancouver BC V6B 4A

Dear Carolyn and Mike,

Recently many of our members have called our office to advise that they have been contacted by phone by one of the candidate campaigns for Vision Vancouver. These calls have solicited support as well as a request for donations. The members were concerned that BC NDP membership lists have either directly or indirectly found their way into the hands of the Vision campaign. In one instance when a member asked how their name and number had been obtained, the caller offered up the explanation that the individual must be a member of the BC NDP. In another instance, a constituency executive discovered that every member of the constituency executive had been called, despite the fact that one of the newer members does not belong to any other like-minded organizations in the lower mainland.

As you can appreciate the issue of list-sharing and protection of privacy of our membership lists is of great concern to our members. To help alleviate some of this concern we would ask if Vision Vancouver could help with the following

* Notify candidates and their campaigns of the proper procedure for establishing list-share policies
* Advise candidates and their campaigns that under no circumstances should they avail themselves of lists that are know to be or arising from current or past membership lists of the BC NDP.

As you know the BC NDP has developed very specific policies with respect to list-sharing as outlined below:

Under no circumstances may constituency associations or federal riding associations provide member or supporter information directly to NDP members running for local office or to an organization that is not affiliated with the NDP. Members or constituency or riding associations providing such information directly would be in violation of party Policy and may unwittingly violate statutory provisions or regulations.

We believe that it is not helpful to either the Party or Vision Vancouver if BC NDP members that that the protcols that dictate the proper use and protection of membership lists are not being adhered to. Any assistance you could provide in helping to deliver this message would be most appreciated.

Sincerely,

Jeff Fox
President
BC NDP

Last week, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported Vision Vancouver has signed-up "somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000" new members. But how are those members distributed amongst the three mayoral nomination campaigns? Well, the most reliable numbers we've heard put Gregor Robertson at around 5,500 sign-ups and Raymond Louie somewhere between 4,000 and 4,500. We haven't heard anything concerning Allan De Genova sign-ups. Although Ms. Bula earlier wrote Mr. De Genova's campaign wasn't among those who seemed "happiest these days about numbers."

Earlier this month, Coalition of Progressive Electors school trustee Sharon Gregson announced she would be joining Vision Vancouver. And she's not the only coalition member switching sides. Tomorrow, it's our understanding West End Residents Association Aaron Jasper will also be signing-up with Vision Vancouver - and endorsing mayoral nomination candidate Gregor Robertson. Mr. Jasper is also chair of the Save St. Paul's Hospital Coalition.

Earlier, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported all of the Non-Partisan Association's "current council candidates are said to be running again" - "except for possibly B.C. Lee." Indeed, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Lee confirmed he hasn't yet submitted his council nomination papers - which are due on May 8. And he's deciding this weekend whether he'll actually hand them in. "It's totally my personal life," he explained. "Some decisions can be easier made in the more micro view. But when you look at your life at a more macro perspective, there are more elements to think of."

Vancouver councillor Raymond Louie has been a national representative for the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. Which has some wondering what aid, if any, the union might be lending to Mr. Louie's bid for the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination. Asked whether organization work for his campaign was taking place at the labour organization's western region office, Mr. Louie responded, "I don't know where all my different volunteers are. They're all over the place. But there may be some effort coming out of there. I don't know. The best person to talk to in terms of allocation of resources and where they come from is Neil Moncton." So we did. But this is what Mr. Moncton, Mr. Louie's campaign manager, had to say: "I can't talk about our internal workings, Sean. CEP is certainly supporting Raymond. And (the union's administrative vice president) Don Boucher is endorsing Raymond." The union hasn't yet returned a phone call from Public Eye.

Look who's endorsing Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson. Why it's Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 15 president Paul Faoro. Funny that. Isn't Raymond Louie supposed to be the labour movement's candidate? The following is an advanced copy of the news release announcing that endorsement.

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

CUPE LOCAL 15 PRESIDENT ENDORSES ROBERTSON FOR MAYOR

VANCOUVER - Paul Faoro, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees' Local 15 today endorsed Gregor Robertson for Mayor. CUPE 15 represents 5500 members working for seventeen employers in our city including the City of Vancouver, Langara College, Vancouver School Board, Emily Carr Institute, Vancouver Park Board, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

“Living in Vancouver Fairview I have had the privilege of having Gregor represent my community as our MLA and I have seen first hand his ability to represent his constituents. I am convinced that he is exactly what we need to get our city back on track.”

Faoro says our city has been severely damaged by the current administration at City Hall and change must occur.

“With Gregor as the Vision Vancouver mayoralty candidate our city has the best opportunity to move forward to becoming a city that is caring, with strong public services, vibrant parks, sustainable and safe for everyone”

- 30 -

Earlier, we reported on Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP partner David Chesman's involvement with Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Allan De Genova's campaign. And that involvement may be of interest to the civic association's union sympathizing members. In an interview with Public Eye, Compass Group Canada Ltd. vice-president and general counsel Leslie White confirmed Mr. Chesman has "done quite a bit of work for us on the labour union stuff...for several years at least." Of course, Compass is the same company that was awarded controversial housekeeping and food services privatization contracts by the Provincial Health Services Authority and the Vancouver Island Health Authority in 2003 and 2004 respectively. Mr. Chesman didn't return a phone call placed by Public Eye.

When last we spoke with Lynne Henderson, she was working as then federal Liberal parliamentarian David Anderson's special assistant. But now we hear she may be making her own bid for elected office. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Henderson confirmed she's considering running for Victoria city council. And will she make a decision about the matter? "Probably in the next few weeks. I want to see how much support is out there."

In January, the mayor's community relations manager Anna Lucarino stated Sam Sullivan's office had received so "many inquiries as to how to purchase membership, contribute financially or become a volunteer to help support" the Non-Partisan Association leader, that it was necessary for her to send a mass email directing voters to his recently-launched website. But, according to a freedom of information request filed by Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 15, the mayor's office received no such inquiries via e-mail or snail mail between Jan. 1, 2008, and Jan. 31, 2008.

"On the surface it seems to be a misuse of that system," said union president Paul Faoro, referring to the fact the message was sent using a taxpayer-funded email address. "That's extremely troubling. And I think Mayor Sullivan needs to be accountable" now that it appears there were no written inquiries about how to get involved with the mayor's re-election campaign.

Asked for comment, the mayor's communication director David Hurford said, "Inquiries come in many forms. They come in a variety of different ways. They come largely from phone calls" - which wouldn't have been captured by the union's request.

Last month, Coalition of Progressive Electors members celebrated the fortieth anniversary of their party - along with Vision Vancouverites such as George Chow and Gregor Robertson. But opinion was split as to whether Messrs. Chow and Robertson's attendance at that anniversary was a cause for celebration. Responding to one such enthusiastic email, party secretary Tim Louis wrote, "Let's not forget that Heather Deal" - who was invited but couldn't make the event "and George Chow represent the party that stole money from COPE and to this day have refused to repay it." That accusation is a reference to the fact the coalition accumulated a substantial debt during the 2002 campaign - which resulted in the election of the four politicians who would go on to establish Vision Vancouver. As a result, Mr. Louis warned, "Let's not be too effervescent in our effusive gushing at their willingness to attend our events." The following is an edited copy of the aforementioned email.

From: Rachel Marcuse
Sent: March 29, 2008 11:13 AM
To: COPE Exec and Staff
Subject: thanks....

...for the great night last night, everyone! We had over 300 people throughout the night.

We'll be reconciling all the money on Monday, so please let me know if you have any expenses before then. (If you can't get me the physical receipts by Monday, that's cool, please just email me the amounts so I can account for everything.)

Good job, us!

Rachel

Rachel Marcuse

***

From: Donalda
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 11:38 AM
To: 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

You all did great - it was wonderful.

Thanks for all your work on this,

Donalda

***

From: loretta is always
Sent: March 30, 2008 10:00 AM
To: 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Just to let U know that Heather Deal called me to let me know she was out of town and unable to attend this event. She appreciated my invite.

Loretta

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Donalda
Sent: March 30, 2008 10:41 AM
To: 'loretta is always'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Oh - great - too bad we didn't hear ahead of time and could have announced that.

George Chow did show up, which was really nice, as did Gregor.

***

From: Tim Louis
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 8:04 PM
To: 'Donalda'; 'loretta is always'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Hello folks,

Let's not forget that Heather Deal and George Chow represent the party that stole money from COPE and to this day have refused to repay it. Let's not be too effervescent in our effusive gushing at their willingness to attend our events.

Tim

Tim Louis
Tim Louis and Company

***

-----Original Message-----
From: loretta is always
Sent: April 1, 2008 8:18 PM
To: 'Tim Louis'; 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Yes there is the sad history that took place at the Council level, and I have my own history in working well with both of these electeds from my position at park board.

Loretta

***

From: Tim Louis
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 8:35 PM
To: 'loretta is always'; 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Loretta,

They did not steal the money from the Council caucus. They stole the money from OUR party. That's the party called COPE which belongs just as much to you as a Park Board Commissioner as it does to all of the COPE membership. The money was taken from COPE.

'The sad history that took place at the Council level' is not the point I was making. However, if you do want to discuss the history at Council, I would expect that even Ellen would confirm that on issue after issue they voted in a coalition with the NPA to block COPE policy.

Tim


Tim Louis
Tim Louis and Company

***

-----Original Message-----
From: loretta is always
Sent: April 1, 2008 8:50 PM
To: 'Tim Louis'; 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

My point is that the unhealthy circumstances that occured at the council level left park board and school board dealing with the fall out. Through all this turmoil, my focus has been to maintain a positive attitude. My experience has been that it takes more energy to be negative and I need all my energy to focus on my work on park board.
Loretta

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Louis
Sent: April 2, 2008 5:55 PM
To: 'loretta is always'; 'Donalda'; 'Rachel Marcuse'; 'COPE Exec and Staff'
Subject: RE: thanks....

Loretta,

The unhealthy circumstances that occurred were solely the result of elected COPE officials forming a coalition with the NPA to defeat key COPE policy - which they did at City Hall. I am just as disappointed about the negative impact this had as you are. The negative impact was on all of us at the Council, School Board and Park Board level. We were all negatively affected.

Tim

Tim Louis
Tim Louis and Company

Italian social service agency director Rocco DiTrolio is signing-up Vision Vancouver members on behalf of mayoral nomination candidate Allan De Genova. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. DiTrolio, who made an failed bid in 2006 to be the first Canadian elected to the Italian Parliament as the representative for North and Central America, confirmed his involvement with the De Genova campaign. "He's a very pleasant man," he explained. "I admire his positivity, how much he's done for the parks and across Vancouver. And he's a very inspiring man - full of energy. He speaks sincerely - not to mention that he has an Italian background." But, he added with a laugh, "that's not the reason why I support him." In 1997, Mr. DiTrolio also unsuccessfully ran for the New Democrat nomination in Vancouver East against Libby Davies.

Representatives from Vision Vancouver's three mayoral nomination campaigns met for the first time this morning with members of the civic association's executive, Public Eye has learned. Those in attendance included Allan De Genova's legal agent David Chesman, Gregor Robertson's spokesman Brad Zubyk and former provincial New Democrat deputy minister Douglas MacArthur - a member of Raymond Louie's campaign administration committee. Executive members at the meeting included Carolyn Askew, Mike Magee and Denise Taschereau.

Earlier, 24 hours' Irwin Loy reported Vancouver taxpayers would be spending $2,260 to send Non-Partisan Association city councillor Elizabeth Ball to the 2008 Juno Awards in Calgary. And what did she learned from that trip, you may wonder? In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Ball stated, "It was a tremendous opportunity to see the effects the Junos have on the city. And, obviously, from being there you could see that it is a wonderful opportunity for a city from every aspect that you could possibly imagine. It engaged the city at every level you can imagine - from little children all the way through every business was engaged. The taxi drivers were passionate about it - the people we met in the street. It was absolutely wonderful. And, of course, it was a weekend of work as we took in the backstage tours to examine all the venues which, for me, was the very interesting part of it."

"CTV was very generous in taking us backstage to all of the venues and giving us unparalleled access to seeing exactly how they produce all the major events - which, of course, is incredibly complicated - and allowing us the ability to ask any question we wanted," she continued. "They took us to every single venue in a major tour that allowed us to really see how important it is to make our venues top notch and really make them available and how important traffic access is and how important it is for all aspects of the community to be working together."

And how is she going to be using those experiences to assist Vancouver in preparing to host the 2009 Juno Awards? "I am working with the steering committee and I will be giving the steering committee my notes and we had staff there," she responded. "The wonderful part of it is no one person could cover everything. So it was wonderful because the province was there - which was wonderful. The minister was there - Stan Hagen. Jane Milner - his ADM - was there. And we all were embracing very aspects of it and getting together and exchanging notes...And we're looking forward to having a debrief and getting together. So, of course, I'll be giving council not only my version but being able to share other people's ideas as well."

Over the weekend, Canwest News Service's Richard Warnica reported "Allan de Genova, who is running for the left-leaning Vision Vancouver party's mayoral nomination, gave $900" to the provincial Liberals in 2007 - "a move that likely won't sit well with his fellow party member and mayoral rival, NDP MLA Gregor Robertson." But that wasn't the first time Mr. De Genova contributed to the province's governing party since 2005. According to Elections British Columbia filings, he also made a $300 contribution in 2006. By comparison, Mr. Robertson donated $4,184.38 over the same period to the New Democrats. Raymond Louie, who is also running for the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination, didn't make contributions to either party. The following is a complete list of Mr. Robertson's contributions.

Donations by Gregor Robertson to the New Democrats

2005 $2,000
2006 $410.38
2007 $1,774.00

Controversial city clerk Syd Baxter is retiring. But that doesn't mean he won't still be working for Vancouver taxpayers. In an email sent to staff yesterday, Mr. Baxter writes "I had originally thought that I would retire from the City in the usual way with a normal last day of work. In discussion with the City Manager she asked me to instead consider transitioning to retirement by potentially reducing my work week and assisting with some of the many corporate projects that are currently underway or being considered. I have agreed to that opportunity." Mr. Baxter made headlines last year when he accused then British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs of "engineering" a strike by civic workers. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned email.

From: Baxter, Syd
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 7:50 PM
Subject: Organizational Changes

Hello:

It is with very mixed emotions that I let you know that I have decided to begin my transition to retirement from the City. If that seems like an odd way to describe this, let me explain!

If find it hard to admit that I am in my fortieth year in public service. I had originally thought that I would retire from the City in the usual way with a normal last day of work. In discussion with the City Manager she asked me to instead consider transitioning to retirement by potentially reducing my work week and assisting with some of the many corporate projects that are currently underway or being considered. I have agreed to that opportunity.

The result of this is decision is that I will relinquish the position of City Clerk on April 30, 2008 and commence working on corporate projects. Marg Coulson will act in the role of City Clerk until a permanent appointment is made, most likely not until after the municipal election.

The City is well served by the people who work here and in particular you, the staff and management of the City Clerk's Department. It has been a particular honour to work with such a group of loyal and dedicated public servants. I appreciate all the personal support you have given to me. The City is very well served; you are a credit to the public sector.

While you will continue to see me around after April 30, it will be in a different role. I know you will give Marg all your support at a very busy time. I wish you all well.

Syd

Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Allan De Genova seems to be sparing no expense on hiring workers for his campaign. According to a posting on the Vancouver Skateboard Coalition's Website, "Al's campaign is offering $15/hour to those who work to sign up memberships." By comparison, a craigslist advertisement placed earlier this month states competitor Gregor Robertson is paying $12 per hour to his outreach campaigners. The following is a complete copy of that earlier advertisement.

"Do we continue to have a city government that runs the city using the current top down, divisive style? Or do we find a better way and elect a Mayor and Council who understand that solutions are found by engaging all citizens in meeting the challenges that we all share. A Mayor and Council who understand that government works for the people who elected it."
- Gregor Robertson, www.gregor08.com

Do you want real change for Vancouver in 2008?

If you are outgoing, articulate, and believe that Gregor Robertson will bring real change to the city of Vancouver we want you to be part of our team.

Outreach Campaigners are paid $12 /hour and facilitate Vancouver citizens to join Vision Vancouver and support Gregor Robertson in his bid for the mayoral nomination in 2008.

We work in teams, help coordinate and train any drop-in volunteers, with the goal to sign up as many members for Vision Vancouver as possible.

The schedule is very flexible.

Street Teams work in high foot-traffic areas around the city between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm, 7 days a week. Our Door to Door Teams work from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm week nights.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a paid Outreach Campaigner for Gregor, contact: info@publicengagement.ca

For Volunteers:
If you are interested in being part of the excitement of this campaign but are only available a few hours a week, we would love to have you join us as a volunteer! Simply sign up at www.gregor08.com/volunteer, check the box "door-to-door canvasser" and we'll contact you on how you can get involved for Vision Vancouver and Gregor Robertson.

Together we can make a difference!

* Location: Vancouver
* Compensation: $12 / hour
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Business in Vancouver owner Peter Ladner has served as a local elected official since 2002. But, according to his latest campaign announcement, Mr. Ladner is a lot more than just a city councillor. He's a "respected" city councillor. Of course, that adjective may indeed be true in some quarters. But isn't it a passingly odd for Mr. Ladner's campaign to be describing their candidate in this manner - a task customarily left to third party validators? The following is a complete copy of that media advisory.

LADNER FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN

MEDIA ADVISORY

Thursday May 27, 2008

NPA Mayoral hopeful Peter Ladner will deliver a keynote address this morning focusing on the political challenges of tackling climate change in the City.

Councillor Ladner will deliver the opening address to delegates attending the:

“GETTING TO CARBON NEUTRAL” WORKSHOP & TRADESHOW

8:30 a.m.
Today (Thursday March 27)

Empire Landmark Hotel & Conference Centre
1400 Robson St., Vancouver

The respected Vancouver City Councillor and owner of Business in Vancouver will comment on the City's progress in attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and he will outline a number of ideas for stepping up efforts to meet the climate change challenge at the civic and regional level.

Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination candidates seem to agree spending limits for their campaigns should, at the very least, be discussed. But how much is an appropriate ceiling? Raymond Louie says $50,000. But, during the Non-Partisan Association's 2005 mayoral nomination contest, former provincial cabinet Christy Clark was rumoured to have spent between $100,000 and $150,000.

Earlier, we reported Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination candidates Raymond Louie and Gregor Robertson have both backed a proposal to put spending limits on their campaigns. And what does their competitior Allan De Genova have to say about the matter? "We agree that the issue needs to be looked at," said Mr. De Genova's campaign manager Ian Baillie. "It's not that we're opposed to it. But these sort of things should be sorted out" by a committee composed of Vision Vancouver executives and representatives from the three mayoral nomination campaigns.

Earlier today, Raymond Louie announced his support for a proposal to limit Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination campaign expenditures - suggesting a $50,000 ceiling. Meanwhile, in a subsequent interview with Public Eye, competitor Gregor Robertson also said he thinks "it would be a good step" to introduce such a ceiling - "both as a party and to put pressure on other parties to do the same." But Mr. Robertson declined to say what he thinks that limit should be, stating, "I don't have a number fixed in mind. I would just be speculating. I think it's something the executive should look at in detail and factor in the length of the campaign and the competitiveness. It's going to be a tight race. And that's got to be up to the executive to figure out what the best number is. It isn't what the candidates think. It's what the membership is comnfortable with - represented by the executive."

Mr. Robertson, who said he didn't know how his campaign would be spending on the race, also expressed cautious support to have nomination polling stations setup across the city. "It's an interesting idea worth researching further," he said. "As long as there's systems in place to make it all accountable, the more people enabled to vote the better.

Former Canadian Film and Television Production Association British Columbia Producers' Branch external relations and operations vice-president Leanore Copeland is being talked up as a possible Non-Partisan Association council candidate. But, when asked by Public Eye whether she was considering a run, Ms. Copeland said, "I can't comment on that right now. I hate giving no comments. But I can't comment." Nor would she comment on those promoting her as a possible provincial Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Fairview. Although she did say she would be "happy to comment" in the next "couple weeks." Ms. Copeland is presently a partner with mc2 Strategic Consulting. She ran for the federal Liberals in New Westminster-Burnaby during the 1993 election, losing to Reform parliamentarian Paul Forseth

Yesterday, Vision Vancouver council hopeful Geoff Meggs called on the civic association to put a spending limit on its mayoral nomination candidates. And one of those candidates now says he has "no issues with that." Speaking with Public Eye this morning, Raymond Louie stated, "If the other candidates would agree to a limit, I'd be okay with that. I haven't put enough thought into it to know exactly what the amount would be. Certainly, $50,000 ought to do it. I don't think anything beyond that is really necessary. I don't expect to exceed that." Indeed, Mr. Louie says he expects to raise and spend between $20,000 to $30,000 for his campaign. Mr. Louie added he's also supportive of Mr. Meggs proposal to have allow Vision Vancouver members to vote in polling stations across the city. "Certainly it would increase access to voting. Logistically, it would be a bit more complicated. But it would be an advantage to give our members an opportunity to vote closer to where they live."

Vision Vancouver doesn't presently have a spending limit for its mayoral nomination campaign. But council nomination candidate Geoff Meggs thinks there should be. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Meggs said, "I think it's logical for Vision to have spending limits. We've advocated that for the city-at-large. And I think it makes sense in this case too because there's only so many dollars available for the democratic process. And if they get consumed in an all-out battle at one level, they may not be available for the election - which is where we would like to see it. And I'm worried as well about the capacity for people to participate when the costs get too high. So I think spending limits would be good. And it's not too late to have them."

"I think it's too late to say who you can take money from because people have already been accepting contributions based on the system we have in the city - which is not what Vision wanted," he continued. "But I think it's certainly not too late to (have limits) for the council race. Because, as far as I know, the only formally declared people are myself and Kerry Jang. And I don't think Kerry would have any problem with it. I can't speak for him. But I wouldn't have any problem with a reasonable limit."

Leaving aside such mechanical questions, Mr. Meggs then added the larger and "critical question for the membership is who's best to be able to lead the entire organization forward into the main election. And there's going to be two chances to put the Vision team together - one is the mayoralty nomination and the second is the council one. But there's a lot of questions in front of the whole organization which is growing by the day. And the more opportunity the members have to see and hear from all the candidates the better I think. Because we do want to make sure the organization stays as united as possible going forward.

Earlier today, Mr. Meggs also suggested the civic party "should allow its members to vote in polling stations across the city when they select Vision's mayoralty candidate."

Earlier, we reported former Non-Partisan Association supporter D.J. Lawrence would be backing Allan De Genova's Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination bid - but not the civic association itself. Asked what he thought about those who are taking out party memberships simply to support his candidacy, Mr. De Genova said, "I guess my other opponents are doing the same thing. They're out to get memberships to get themselves in first. I have to say though the people I am signing-up right now Sean - all the people I'm signing-up - not only are they just signing-up to come out to support me but they are also participating in the party and following me lead. I've always done that with the NPA for 15 years and I will continue to do this for Vision for all the people I sign-up."

Mr. De Genova also added he didn't know Mr. Lawrence. And "I guess he doesn't know the rest of the party yet. But, by the time I'm in, and this guy is working with me he'll know their cousins, uncles, mothers and sisters. But the time I'm finished, they'll all be over at my house having pasta."

Former Non-Partisan Association supporter and federal Conservative constituency association president D.J. Lawrence is urging his friends to take out Vision Vancouver memberships in support of Allan De Genova mayoral nomination bid. In an email sent yesterday, Mr. Lawrence writes, "rest assured, I DO NOT SUPPORT THE VISION SLATE, just Al, and a select couple of NPA and Vision candidates...I know Al reasonably well, I have associates that have worked with him over the long term both in and outside of politics (and still think well of him!), and I know he has the support of many people whose opinion I respect including many in senior positions with Vancouver Police." The following is an edited copy of that email.

From: "DJ Lawrence"
Date: March 17, 2008 11:39:23 PM PDT (CA)
To: "DJ Lawrence"
Subject: Allan De Genova campaign launch

Dear Friends,

I know, nobody does politics, but before you delete this, consider:

how the mayor decided against his own experts' advice to hire 63 Police Officers, hired 17, and expected us to believe the letter from the federal government saying they couldn't fund his request for the remainder somehow sat on his fax machine from 9 AM until the council meeting that night!

how the NPA lowered their membership cost from $25 to $20 (big spenders!) while all other parties manage to get by on $10 or less, but this isn't really to keep out the “east side” vote…

Yes, that thumping sound is the sound of anyone who knows me realizing I'm supporting a “left of center” candidate for once in my life! Al doesn't really fit any profile, he is honest, hard working, compassionate, pragmatic, not dogmatic, and has a variety of great ideas from across the political spectrum. He can work with anyone, for the good of our city. I don't know about you, but I'm fed up with the likes of Sam, and with parties that wouldn't know the common person if we kicked them in the head! But rest assured, I DO NOT SUPPORT THE VISION SLATE, just Al, and a select couple of NPA and Vision candidates which will give us the balance we need to solve the major issues that face us, and provide real leadership going into 2010 instead of the laughing stock Sam or Gregor would provide us.

You have the opportunity to help choose who will run for the parties competing in this November's city elections. I hope you will consider joining whatever of the civic parties you may support, and exercising your right to help choose good candidates. My regrets to Peter Ladner, a fine man who would also make a fine mayor, I just can't get behind his party right now…

I am supporting Al De Genova in his bid to be nominated at the mayoralty candidate for the Vision Vancouver party. I know Al reasonably well, I have associates that have worked with him over the long term both in and outside of politics (and still think well of him!), and I know he has the support of many people whose opinion I respect including many in senior positions with Vancouver Police.

I hope you will come out to Al's campaign launch, and that you will consider taking out a membership in order to vote for Al as the Vision Vancouver mayoralty candidate. The deadline to become a member has not been announced yet, but is expected to be the end of April.

Yours truly,

DJ Lawrence

Former Non-Partisan Association outreach chair Peter Ormesher has launched a membership drive as part of his to win the civic party's mayoral nomination. In an email sent to friends and supporters, Mr. Ormesher writes he has "left the board of the NPA to run against Sam Sullivan (and now Peter Ladner for the NPA nomination, because I have seen what it is like behind closed doors, behind the scenes. You don't want to know." Nevertheless, a paragraph later, Mr. Ormesher tells them, stating "from behind the scenes, you recognize that (Mayor Sullivan) is not a strong and capable leader." He then goes on to urge his friends to become party members by April 22 so they can vote for him at the association's nomination meeting on June 8. The following is a complete copy of that email.

----- Forwarded message from peter@peterormesher.com -----
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:36:41 -0700
From: peter@peterormesher.com
Reply-To: peter@peterormesher.com
Subject: Help Needed - Mayor's Job - City of Vancouver - Pass it On!

April 22nd is deadline

Dear Friends,

I so very seldom asked for help from my friends. I am happily the one asked to help others. But I hope you allow me this one exception. Besides helping me, I get to help you, even more.

We need a strong and competent Mayor in this City. We deserve one. I have just left the board of the NPA to run against Sam Sullivan (and now Peter Ladner) for the NPA nomination, because I have seen what it is like behind closed doors, behind the scenes. You don't want to know.

The NPA is a great group of dedicated people, but they are leaderless. As Chair of Outreach, I heard too often that Sam Sullivan has been a disappointment to the public that elected him. From behind the scenes, you recognize that he is not a strong and capable leader. He has failed to convince Peter Ladner and he has failed to fool the public. We deserve something better, with more experience at turning our City around. Sam's priorities, his way of doing things, and his lack of understanding of how the real world works, is wasting our time and our money. Traffic and our roads are getting worse, housing is not affordable, taxes are rocketing up, crime is on the rise (while he says it is getting better), and all that focussed effort on giving free drugs to drug addicts, and time wasted explaining EcoDensity, was a waste of time and focus. When is enough, enough?

I have made the difficult decision to place my my capabilities and experience before the members of the NPA, and then, if successful, the people of Vancouver, as its Mayoral candidate,for one of the most important elections of our time. In doing so, I am standing up to Sam, and bucking what some say are overwhelming odds. But Decision Vancouver 2008 is just too important to worry about the job ahead to secure the nomination. That is why I am writing you.

To do this, I need you to take action. It will not take much, but we must act quickly to be able to overcome the overwhelming political machine and financial resources that Sam has built.

I believe that nothing is impossible, if we have courage. We have a plan, and you can see that you are the key part of it:

1) pass this email to your friends, colleagues and family that care about Vancouver and trust your judgement about people. The more the better, so thank you. It hope it feels good.

2) print out the NPA membership form attached, and with your friends and associates, JOIN the NPA before April 22. Then come vote for me at a nomination meeting on June 8th. It is only $20 to join (cheque or credit card only), but it may just be the best investment in your community that you could ever make. Email me or call 604 764 0065 with questions. We must get the forms in by April 22, so let me know if you need help.

3) keep an eye on http://retiresam.com. if you wish to get involved, I have included a small sign that can be printed and posted anywhere you can. We can all subscribe for free, and then keep up to date on where this race is going. Also, if you wish to volunteer, let me know. We will be having a few social gatherings, to connect one another.In the next days I will be putting up my website www.peterormesher.com and I will send you a brief background on me.

Many people have said over the course of years "Why can we not have more capable and competent people in politics?". Already, there are some good people, but the biggest reason is that WE must do something to give them a chance. They are unknown, and to the established politicians, not welcome unless you give them the chance. This is what I seek.

Will you give me that chance?

If so, I will work my hardest and use all my leadership experience and capabilities to not disappoint you. To get this City back on track. Like another has not.

Thank you and welcome to Decision Vancouver 2008.

Warmest regards,

Peter Ormesher

Vision Vancouver executive hasn't yet scheduled their nomination meeting. But, last night, they referred the matter to the civic association's governance committee chaired by Carolyn Askew. In addition, the executive also approved a stringent set of nomination campaign financial disclosure rules, a candidate agreement and questionaire and conflict of interest guidelines.

Vision Vancouver council candidate and former British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs is launching his campaign with a comparatively pricey fundraiser featuring former provincial New Democrat interim leader Joy MacPhail. According to an email promoting the launch, tickets to the event - which is scheduled for March 27 - will cost $125. The following is a complete copy.

Help Elect GEOFF MEGGS to Vancouver City Council

Joy McPhail invites you to join her to celebrate the official launch of the campaign to elect Geoff Meggs to city council on the Vision Vancouver team.

Thursday, March 27th.
8pm - 11pm
2852 West 1st Avenue

Geoff is campaigning to win a Vision Vancouver nomination for city council. Join us to help elect someone for the Vision Vancouver team with the experience, commitment and ideas to put our great city back on track.

Tickets $125
Ticket Hotline 605.764.5988
Tickets by email @ electgeoffmeggs@gmail.com

Is councillor Raymond Louie about to announce he's running for Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination? Well, it certainly looks that way. Because Public Eye has learned Mr. Louie has booked Chinatown's Jade Dynasty Restaurant for an event this coming Sunday at 2:30. Earlier, The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported Mr. Louie had registered the domain name www.raymondlouieformayor.ca. And his supporters have setup a Facebook group backing the councillor's prospective bid.

Earlier, we reported former federal Liberal British Columbia president Billy Cunningham is working on Allan De Genova's Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination campaign. But he's not the only Grit with a shoulder to the grindstone for the parks board member. In an interview with Public Eye, the party's British Columbia communications chair Ian Baillie confirmed he's also helping manage Mr. De Genova's campaign. "I'm happy to do it and thrilled to be part of the team. But it's a big team approached. And I'm working with Billy."

Allan De Genova may have torn up his Non-Partisan Association membership card. But the parks board member's Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination campaign seems to be looking to the right-leaning civic party for design inspiration. His brochure features reds, whites and blues - similar to those used by the association. And its front includes a text box topped by a distinctive swoosh - another design element used by the right-leaning civic party.

Former federal Liberal British Columbia president Bill Cunningham could soon be working for Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination candidate Allan De Genova. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Cunningham confirmed he has been "talking with Al and his campaign. And, although the parameters haven't necessarily been hammered out, I have agreed to help out the campaign in whatever capacity makes the most sense for them. Al's a great guy. And he's got a lot of great people and energetic supporters. And it seems like something I want to be a part of." Asked about rumours he might be paid up to $10,000 for his trouble, the Burnaby-Douglas Grit candidate chuckled and said, "It certainly would not be anything at that level."

Here's more evidence of cooperation between the Coalition of Progressive Electors and Vancouver's Green and Work Less parties: on March 7, the three civic associations will be hosting a joint fundraiser at the Cambrian Hall. Billed as an "interactive evening of live music, comedy, theatre, dance and surprise," revenue earned from Cabarnet Politique ticket sales will be split between the parties. The following is a complete copy of the invite to that event.

Cabaret Politique: An interactive evening of live music, comedy, theatre, dance and surprise.

Get your tickets fast! This event is a sure sellout. On March 7th we will have an event unlike any other event in the history of Vancouver politics. The Work Less Party, Civic Greens and COPE are organizing a cabaret for you.

Performers include:
Crucial Taunt
Toot a Lute
Maria in the Shower

Where: Cambrian Hall. 215 East 17th.
Cost: Sliding scale $15-$25
Dress code: "Cabaret" (interpret at will!)

Tickets are available in advance by contacting the Work Less Party at coordinator@worklessparty.org or COPE office at 604-255-0400. Tickets are also available at the door, but are sure to sell out fast!

Councillor Peter Ladner's putsch continues. As reported earlier by The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula, Mr. Ladner is looking to open up the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral nomination process, in part, so he can run against Sam Sullivan for that job. And now his campaign has launched a membership drive to "support Peter." This, according to an email sent by his membership coordinator Lisa Newby. The following is a complete copy.

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:44:34 -0800
From: NPA Democracy
Subject: support for Peter Ladner needed
To: NPA Democracy

Peter Ladner's team needs your help. As you may know, the NPA board has changed its traditional practice of allowing the members to pick the best candidates in an open and democratic forum. The board has decided to protect all incumbent elected officials, including the Mayor, locking up their positions as NPA candidates in the next election, whereby those currently elected will automatically be on the ballot without having to go through a traditional nomination process against other interested candidates. This has been referred to by some as "the green light process". This is not fair nor democratic Peter is opposed to this essentially 'closed' process, and is appealing to the NPA Board to open up the nomination process for all interested candidates, be they currently elected or not.

To support Peter, he will need your vote at the NPA annual general meeting and at any subsequent nomination meeting. To vote, you will need to be a member of the NPA. To become a member of the NPA, you will need to:

* download a membership form from www.npavancouver.ca/pdf/npa-membership-form.pdf. , or we can have a form delivered to you via email, and if necessary, directly to your address;

* complete the form, including your signature and payment by cheque or credit card (cost is $20 for a one year membership, and $15 for youth and seniors) -- cash is not accepted and the referral information is not required; and

* fax the form to 604-661-9368 or scan the form and email it to peterladnercampaign@gmail.com .

Don't forget to mark your calendars now for the NPA annual general meeting (to vote for an open nomination process):

NPA Annual General Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Venue: Heritage Hall (located at Main and 15th)
Time: TBA

To support Peter, it is critical that you attend the AGM and vote. In addition, you can support Peter by encouraging more people to join the NPA to vote for an open and democratic nomination meeting, Peter's most immediate goal . I know Peter is extremely grateful for your support.

To be able to vote at the AGM and at any subsequent nomination meeting, all supports need to be signed and delivered to the addresses above no later than March 20th. For further information on the membership drive, you can reply to this email address (npademocracy@shaw.ca) or call me at 604-619-6951.

To subscribe to Peter's newsletter or view information and opinions on current issues, visit his website at http://www.peterladner.ca/ .

Lisa Newby
Membership Coordinator
Peter Ladner Campaign

Businessman Peter Ormesher has resigned from the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors to make a bid for the party's mayoral nomination. At present, that nomination won't be put to a vote. Instead, like all of the civic party's incumbent candidates, Sam Sullivan will get the nomination if he can prove to the board he has support from the community and the association - as well as a fundraising plan. But, as reported by The Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula, councillor Peter Ladner is opposing that so-called greenlight process, in part, because he wants Mayor Sullivan's job. And, speaking first with Public Eye, Mr. Ormesher says that prompted him to put his name forward.

"I think a two-way race could be seen as a war," he said. "But a three-person race is actually a race with new ideas. And it could be quite exciting for people - and beneficial for the people of Vancouver."

Asked whether he has any concerns about Mayor Sullivan's leadership, Mr. Ormesher replied he was in favour of getting some "new ideas and new people" in the association - adding he didn't think it was "a good thing" that Finance Minister Carole Taylor couldn't find a "home" with the party when she was considering running for mayor of Vancouver.

Asked whether he would run for Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination if the association doesn't have a race, Mr. Ormesher said, "I think I should wait for what the party says before I speculate what I should do." But he wouldn't "rule it out," stating "I do know people at Vision. And I like what they could potentially be."

Mr. Ormesher told the association's board and caucus members of his decision in an email. The following is a complete copy.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Ormesher
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 4:27 PM
To: BC Lee; Carol Gibson; Don Lee; Elizabeth Ball; Heather Holden; Ian Robertson; Ken Denike; Kim Capri; Korina Houghton; Marty Zlotnik; Peter Ladner; Sam Sullivan; Shirley Wong; Suzanne Anton; Suzanne Anton 2
Subject: FW: letter to the board feb 12, 2008

Dear Sam and the rest of Caucus

As you know I have been working hard to support all of you in any way I can.

I have been thinking much about what next to do, and how I can best serve the people of this great city. I wish to run for the position of Mayor, as I have unique leadership and problem solving skills, that would mix well with the other experience and capability of this team.

I have written the board and copied the caucus. I have resigned from the board, as to remove the potential for any conflict.

I have enjoyed serving the NPA as a board member, and look forward to seeing what happens next.

With warm regards,

Peter Ormesher

To many people a job is a just a job. But, to some, it's an important part of their identity. And Sam Sullivan seems to be in the later category. After all, why else would his Facebook entry list his first name as "Mayor." Of course, we're not complaining. It's somewhat amusing to read feed stories such as "Mayor tagged himself in a photo" and "Mayor and Kim Capri are now friends." But what's going to happen if he loses the November election?

Earlier, when asked whether the Coalition of Progressive Electors would have more difficulty working with Vision Vancouver if Allan De Genova becomes the centrist civic party's mayoral candidate, recording secretary Tim Louis stated, "COPE could never ever put forward as its mayoral candidate, an NPA retread developer advocate who is no different then the current mayoral incumbent." And, in an interview with Public Eye, coalition external relations co-chair Ellen Woodsworth echoed that view.

Said Ms. Woodsworth, "I think it would be more difficult to reach an agreement in terms of a joint mayoral candidate - which is what I think we need to defeat Mayor Sam Sullivan. I think that's a big question. We'll see whether De Genova reaches out to us. So far, there hasn't been anything."

The former councillor also worried what impact Mr. De Genova's mayoral nomination bid would have on Vision Vancouver "I think, in order to win, he needs to sign-up a lot of friends. And I assume his friends will be Liberals. The nature of the party's going to change significantly," she added.

Speaking of Tim Louis, we hear talk he's working with former provincial New Democrat election candidate Alicia Barsallo to sell Coalition of Progressive Electors memberships and increase attendance at the civic party's upcoming annual general meeting. So what does Mr. Louis, the coalition's recording secretary, have to say about such rumours? "I work with everybody," he said in an interview with Public Eye. "COPE is a very broad coalition. I've got a lot of respect for Alicia. She's one of many, many people I'm always working with - people from many different points on the political spectrum - to keep the COPE tent as big as possible."

Earlier, Public Eye exclusively confirmed parks board member Allan De Genova would be seeking Vision Vancouver's mayoral nomination. And that news has some wondering what the Coalition of Progressive Electors thinks about a former Non-Partisan Association member making a bid to lead Vision's slate into the next election. Well, speaking for himself, coalition recording secretary Tim Louis stated, "When you subscribe to the view that I do that he who pays the piper calls the tune, it's always been my belief that Vision is, in fact, nothing other than another version - perhaps a prettier, younger version - of the NPA" - referring to the substantive donations Vision has received from the development industry. "And this is now being demonstrated by a number of the big names that are talking about or are running for the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination" such as Allan De Genova.

So, if Mr. De Genova does win that nomination, would the coalition have more difficulty working with Vision? "That would be determined by the entire COPE membership," responded Mr. Louis. "I can only ever talk about my view - which is that COPE most definitely needs to run a COPE mayoral candidate. And COPE could never ever put forward as its mayoral candidate an NPA retread developer advocate who is no different then the current mayoral incumbent."

Independent parks board commissioner Allan De Genova has told Public Eye he's going to announce he'll be seeking the Vision Vancouver mayoral nomination “in the very near future.” Mr. De Genova attended the civic party's recent annual general meeting. But, until now, the maverick politician has kept his options open - even expressing support for an independent mayoral bid by Finance Minister Carole Taylor. Indeed, in a December interview The Province's John Bermingham, Mr. De Genova stated, "I think somebody like Carole Taylor running as an independent mayor in Vancouver is exactly what we've needed for some time." But his hopes were dashed when Minister Taylor announced last month she wouldn't be making a bid for that office.

As some our readers know, there's been much talk about Non-Partisan Association councillor Peter Ladner's future in civic politics. For example, is he considering leaving the association and running as an independent or on another ticket? So here's the answer: "I don't know what I'm going to do in the next election yet - whether I'm even going to be in municipal politics. And lots of people have suggested lots of different things to do. And that's been suggested to me for sure." And what about a run for the mayoralty? "That's been suggested to me too," Mr. Ladner responded. And when will he be making a decision about all these suggestions? "Pretty soon - within the next couple weeks."

Contrary to columnist belief, Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan must be more popular than ever. After all, according to an email sent out by his community relations manager Anna Lucarino, "over the past several weeks, our office has received many inquiries as to how to purchase memberships, financially contribute or become a volunteer to help support Mayor Sam Sullivan in this year's civic election. As noted in a recent memo from the City Clerk to all of Council, City resources are only to be used for matters directly related to civic business. Therefore, should you wish to learn more about Mayor Sullivan's election campaign or how to become involved, please direct your inquiries to his campaign via www.samsullivan.ca" - a re-election Website which was launched just last Thursday.

But wait a minute. Couldn't the email itself - which was sent to the mayor's contact list via a taxpayer-funded email address - be construed as related to partisan rather than civic business? Responded Ms. Lucarino, "I'm sure some might suggest that. But we were cognizant of some of the delineations between what the city deems is appropriate use of resources here and what is not." And the mayor's office, via the email, was simply trying "to clarify who does what as we near an election." The following is a complete copy of that message.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Vancouver Mayor's Office
Sent: January 31, 2008 9:52 AM

Subject: Memo regarding political campaign inquiries

Memo regarding political campaign inquiries Over the past several weeks, our office has received many inquiries as to how to purchase memberships, financially contribute or become a volunteer to help support Mayor Sam Sullivan in this year's civic election.

As noted in a recent memo from the City Clerk to all of Council, City resources are only to be used for matters directly related to civic business.

Therefore, should you wish to learn more about Mayor Sullivan's election campaign or how to become involved, please direct your inquiries to his campaign via www.samsullivan.ca.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

Anna Lucarino
Manager of Community Relations
Office of the Mayor
City of Vancouver

Is Coalition of Progressive Electors recording secretary Tim Louis considering another bid for civic office? That's the question being asked by a number of party members. And here's the answer: "I haven't made up mind," said Mr. Louis in an interview with Public Eye. But he probably will "over the next three or four months. I'm going to talk to a number of people that I respect: previously presidents of COPE; people who I've sat on elected bodies with" such as Fred Bass, Dermot Foley, Donna Morgan and Anne Roberts "and seek their advice." And, if he runs for a coalition council nomination, what impact does Mr. Louis think that will have on the civic party? "I don't know. I haven't really thought about that question before," he answered. "That's a good question for me to put to the people I'm going to be seeking advice from."

Here at Public Eye, we haven't heard much about newcomers for Non-Partisan Association council nominations. But there's been some talk association parks board member Korina Houghton might be interested in a bid for higher civic office. Asked about the matter, Ms. Houghton told Public Eye, "I haven't decided yet. I would like to run in some capacity to be sure. But I haven't made that decision completely yet" - something she expects to do in "another three months."

Michael Butterfield is best known to Victorians as the name behind Butterfield Law Corp. and a regular CFAX 1070 guest. But some have also been promoting him as a potential Victoria council candidate in the upcoming November civic elections. So what does Mr. Butterfield have to say about such talk? Speaking with Public Eye, the former Saanich council candidate said he might "at some point" consider running. "But I've got a young family right now. And I like having my evenings with my family."

More news from Vision Vancouver's annual general meeting: on Monday, party members passed a resolution authorizing their board to appoint one council, parks board and school board candidate "for elecotral or equity reasons by a two-thirds vote of the executive." Which means, the board could concievably allow star candidates to circumvent the party's nomination process.

Earlier, we reported Canadian Office and Professional Employees communications director Mike Bruce, British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union staff representative Vanessa Geary and BC FORUM organizer/executive assistant Monica Ghosh Malcolm would be running for Vision Vancouver's executive. All of them were elected. And, when you add Canadian Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada national representative Joie Warnock to that list, it means four of the civic party's nine new board members come from the labour movement. Asked about the matter, Vision Vancouver director Mike Magee said, "I'm very pleased with the executive because it not only has labour it has business, it has youth, it has Chinese, it has Indo-Canadian, it has representation from across the city. I think it's a really strong executive. So we welcome labour and we welcome busines. And they're both represented."

As expected, Monday's Vision Vancouver annual general meeting was attended by a number of former Non-Partisan Association members - including Allan De Genova and his daughter Melissa. But they weren't the only ones with past connections to Vancouver's right-leaning civic party. Also spotted was the Globe and Mail's Trevor Boddy - who was a Non-Partisan Association council nomination candidate in the last civic election. Asked why he was there, the architecture critic said, "I was just curious to see what's up with Vision. I actually at a meeting just down the street with some architecture students and I popped by just to see what the state of play was. I'll probably do the same thing with the NPA and probably will with COPE. My beat is urban development and architecture. And it fades into civic politics."

So this wasn't an indication he may run for Vision? "No, no. Not yet. But it's always interesting to see who's around and what's happening." So has he given any thought to seeking civic office? "I don't see a reason to think about it right now. I'm having too much fun writing about the city both locally, nationally and elsewhere. So, in some ways, I've got my sandbox to play in."

This morning, the Vancouver Sun's Frances Bula reported "Vision Vancouver, the main opposition party at Vancouver city council, has two federal Liberal organizers putting their names up to be on the Vision board at today's annual general meeting: Greg Wilson, who is running Joyce Murray's campaign in Vancouver-Quadra, and David Eaves." But who else will be running for the civic party's executive, you may wonder? Well, our understanding is the list of hopefuls includes Canadian Office and Professional Employees communications director Mike Bruce, British Columbia Government and Service Employees Union staff representative Vanessa Geary, BC FORUM organizer/executive assistant Monica Ghosh Malcolm, provincial New Democrat legislator Jenny Kwan's constituency assistant Am Johal and Fairware Promotional Products Ltd. co-founder Denise Taschereau.

Earlier, we reported Geoff Meggs is considering running for city council. But he isn't the only ongoing Vision Vancouver executive member who may make a bid for local elected office. In an interview with Public Eye, Kwantlen University College philosophy instructor Heather Harrison confirmed she's stepping down from the board to "direct her attentions to some other things for the short-term. And I feel like it's a really, really important period for the executive. And they need all hands on deck. And I want to make sure we get people who can put in as much time as needed." But is she thinking about making another council bid?

"I am considering it," she responded. "Everyone says this but it is still early in the game to know what the team is and who the mayoralty candidate will be and how it all works out. But I am definitely considering it. I think the Vision councillors have done a wonderful job in the last two years. So I think it's looking pretty promising for us."

On January 25, Geoff Meggs will leave his job as executive director of the British Columbia Federation of Labour to restart his communication business Tideline Communications Corp. But could he also be considering a run for city council?

In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Meggs - who is stepping down as a Vision Vancouver executive member - said, "I've certainly had a lot of people tell me it's something I should consider doing. But I haven't made any plans to do it yet. It's something I'll be talking to friends about as I sort out the business. But that's going to be a crowded field from a Vision standpoint - which is great. So I haven't made any concrete plans. I've had people say to me it's a good idea. But I haven't made any decision about it. And I do have to make sure the business is stable. Politics is always enticing. And I enjoy it. But it's not a career path."

Mr. Meggs also said he plans on remaining involved in Vision Vancouver - regardless of whether he runs for elected office.

Yesterday, representatives from Vancouver's Green and Work Less parties met at Coalition of Progressive Electors recording secretary Tim Louis's home. But, apparently, cooperation between the three parties during the next civic election wasn't a topic of discussion. Indeed, such talk was explicitly verboten. Instead, the representatives discussed organizing a joint, issue-centric event.

A company headed by former provincial Liberal caucus executive director Judy Kirk, is being hired to facilitate the Vancouver School Board's educational facilities review, Public Eye has exclusively learned. The board is debating what to do about having too few students for too many schools. And the review is meant to find out what residents think about the problem. That public consultation process may lead to school closures. Kirk & Co. Consulting Ltd. bills itself as "one of British Columbia's leading communications firms" and an "acknowledged leader in public consultation, community relations and issues management." An announcement about the review is expected tomorrow.

Earlier, we reported former federal Liberal national vice-president Mike Hillman wouldn't be reprising his role as the Non-Partisan Association's campaign director during the upcoming civic elections. So who will? Well, our understanding is Mining Association of British Columbia senior policy and communications director Byng Giraud has been approached with an offer to do that job. Mr. Giraud recently resigned as one of the province's two Conservative national council members.

Mayor Sam Sullivan's effort to put in place a new homelessness funding model is getting some help from the Vancouver Foundation. In an interview with Public Eye, foundation communications vice-president Catherine Clement confirmed the charity has hired government relations giant Hill and Knowlton Inc. to convince the federal government to introduce the tax changes necessary to make that model work.

Ms. Clement explained the model's architects (former top provincial bureaucrat Ken Dobell and former Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc. chief financial officer Don Fairbain) "had gone to Ottawa to make some original pitches around the tax incentives."

But because the foundation, which has partnered with the city to support the model, "doesn't have any representation there, it was decided that we would hire a firm to do some of the education and lobbying work on these changes" that would give tax credits to private individuals, companies and foundations investing in the building of 1,500 new housing units for Vancouver's mentally ill and drug addicted.

"We believe that, in order to be successful" those changes "have to be introduced in the next federal budget which will probably be in February of next year," Clement continued. Which is why the Vancouver Foundation "as one of the partners in the development, decided to hire Hill and Knowlton to have them for the next five months do some of that work."

Earlier this month, Vision Vancouver gave the city clerk's office a financial report detailing all the organization's contributions since it was founded. As expected, those contributions include donations from the elected officials such as George Chow, Heather Deal and Tim Stevenson. But why isn't Raymond Louie - another card-carrying Vision Vancouverite - not on that list. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Louie explained, "Apparently, I signed a (pre-approved contribution) form way back in April of 2006. And the office was in the process of implementing it. But my credit card (number) changed. So they put it on hold internally until they got a new number off of me. And I guess nobody phoned me."

In September, The Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr reported Non-Partisan Association councillor Peter Ladner "is being pressured to bail out of Mayor Sam Sullivan's city hall circus and take a run at provincial politics" as a Liberal candidate. Which makes us wonder what his would-be seatmates will make of Mr. Ladner's recent diatribe against the Campbell administration's initiative to remake Greater Vancouver's transit authority. In an email sent to friends and supporters, the councillor writes, "Whether TransLink will be improved with the new governance structure remains to be seen, but we do know it will add two extra layers of bureaucracy, provide less accountability and transparency, severe (sic) the formal relationship with Metro Vancouver, and lead to higher administration costs." The following is a complete copy of that email.

Dear friends and supporters:
We're back to work in our great city. Here's some of what's going on.

City moves on social housing
Province moves on non-market housing
Crime still hurts, but it's down
Vancouver looking smart
Stadium tedium
TransLink scrambling
Granville stroll
Fraser Street haven opens
Regional economic cooperation is now
A solution to middle-income affordability

City Moves on Social Housing
Even though housing isn't supposed to be a municipal responsibility, Vancouver continues to lead the nation in funding non-market housing. On top of having one in 12 housing units in the city already dedicated to non-market housing, we're turning over 12 city-owned sites for social housing ($50 million value) waiving their property taxes ($1 million/year), and putting up $10,000 cash to upgrade 500 single room occupancy hotels ($5 million). That's on top of $99 million cash and foregone revenue to finance social and non-market housing in False Creek.

This will never be enough until other cities in this region and across the country provide homes for housing-starved people in their home towns.

Province moves on non-market housing
The Province and feds have teamed up to fund 77 new units of non-market housing specifically for Aboriginal Housing in Vancouver this year. Aboriginals are 10 times more likely to be homeless as the rest of the population. The City's housing director Cameron Gray tells us that the Province has now funded 1170 units of non-market housing in the City of Vancouver this year: 760 of single-room occupancy hotels or market rental housing, and 410 new units. It's coming.

Crime still hurts, but it's down
Earlier this month I walked along the English Bay seawall after dark with a partner of a West End senior who was pepper-sprayed, beaten (bruised face, broken arm) and robbed of a few dollars he had a week earlier. It happened in the evening outside the Sunset concession building. We could do a lot to make that walk safer. I referred him to the good people at West End Community Action Network who have been working on these issues from a community base.

In spite of these personal tragedies and the current spate of gang shootings, violent crime in the city is down 9% in the first 8 months of this year, total property crime down 11%, robberies down 17%, theft from autos down 16%, vehicle theft down 12%, commercial break and enters 12% and sexual assaults down 10%.

Vancouver is looking smart
Vancouver made the Smart21 semi-finalist in the 2008 Intelligent Community of the Year awards. I was proud to be able to organize the entry and am working with the Vancouver Economic Development Commission on the final application to see if we can make the Top 7 list - to be announced in January.

Stadium tedium
The downtown waterfront Whitecaps stadium proposal is still limping along, moving through legal and financial negotiations between the Whitecaps and the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA).

The Whitecaps want to swap their rail lands for the stadium site on port waterfront property by the heliport, closer to Crab Park. To accomplish this, they have to:

Secure federal and VPA board approval, then
Complete a technical and public review process with the City of Vancouver (expect Downtown Eastside pushback), then
Secure approval from the City Council to rezone the property, then
Complete a 12-month rezoning process, then
Complete a 4-month development permit process and then
Greg Kerfoot could start construction of this great gift to the city.
All members of the NPA Caucus are strong supporters of this initiative and will be working hard to shorten the City's timelines.

TransLink Scrambling
Next month will mark my last meetings with the outgoing TransLink board.

Last month the board passed my motion to fund future growth from transportation demand-related revenue sources (eg fuel taxes, road pricing, tolls, vehicle levies) rather than property tax and fare increases. My motion to push ahead with a large bike-sharing program similar to the ones in Paris, Lyons and numerous European cities also passed. A feasibility study is now underway.

I had less luck with my proposal to extend the time on a transit ticket past 90 minutes to compensate for recent fare increases - too costly and complicated, say staff.

Whether TransLink will be improved with the new governance structure remains to be seen, but we do know it will add two extra layers of bureaucracy, provide less accountability and transparency, severe the formal relationship with Metro Vancouver, and lead to higher administration costs. Meanwhile, everyone on the TransLink side is scrambling to come up with a 30-year transportation plan by early 2008.

Granville stroll
I wandered up and down Granville Street to check out the recent entertainment zone night-time street closures. The police were excited by the dramatic drop in fighting, assaults and arrests - one reason being that revelers don't have to bump shoulders on the narrow sidewalks.

But I was shocked by the size of the police presence: cars parked down the middle of the street, paddy wagon on the corner, bikes lined up at the end of the blocks, groups of officers everywhere. I was encouraged to hear the VPD are experimenting with scaling back the numbers. Hopefully they can get to a point where smaller numbers, no extra overtime costs, and safe streets intersect. Then, we can start turning the area into a true entertainment zone.

In the meantime, VPD is asking council for $430,000 in next year's budget to cover added costs.

Fraser Street haven opens
Having been at the much-publicized neighbourhood meeting at John Oliver High School when fears were running rampant about a proposed housing complex for people coping with addictions and mental illness, it was heartwarming to be at its opening last month. The 39-room building on Fraser at 39th had been open for several months with no problems in the neighbourhood. The provincial/federal-funded complex is drug-free and is staffed around the clock. Places like this, outside the Downtown Eastside, are the solution to homelessness.

Regional economic collaboration is now
A little-heralded memorandum of understanding was signed last month between Surrey, Richmond, Vancouver, and North Van District, signaling the most promising step toward regional economic development in years.

Open to any other municipalities that want to join (lots are interested), it brings user-pay signatories together on specific projects such as a booth at the Beijing Olympics. Many of us who worked with our municipal economic development staffs to get this going are confident that it will grow into a bottom-up regional economic development initiative, eventually attracting private sector partners.

A solution to middle-income affordability
I've been won over to "green granny flats" as an easy Ecodensity project to open up middle-income affordable housing in single family neighbourhoods.

Allowing garage-equivalent spaces to be used for laneway backyard housing (540 sq. ft., $935/month cost at zero-down payment financing) would open up small (potentially rental) spaces without threatening the character or makeup of our single-family neighbourhoods. They'd be ideal for seniors to age in place and for starter families to finance a home. No government funding would be necessary.

Last words
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Civil city commissioner Geoff Plant has reportedly turned down an invitation to attend a Coalition of Progressive Electors fundraiser. This, after Mr. Plant showed up at the Non-Partisan Association's annual dinner. In an email to Public Eye, coalition parks board member Loretta Woodcock stated Mr. Plant's staff had called to say the commissioner “wouldn't be attending the Nov.8 COPE fundraiser.” The reason: criticism of Mr. Plant's earlier dining experience. But Ms. Woodcock says her view “is that if Plant were to attend the fundraisers of all three governing parties, then that would take away perceptions of partisanship.” The commissioner hasn't yet returned a phone call requesting comment.

Last week, in an interview with Public Eye, civil city commissioner Geoff Plant - who was spotted at the Non-Partisan Association's recent annual dinner - suggested he might also be willing to attend fundraisers hosted by Vision Vancouver or the Coalition of Progressive Electors. So coalition parks commissioner Loretta Woodcock has extended just such an invitation to Mr. Plant. In an email to Public Eye, Ms. Woodcock writes, "After reading your Nov.1 article about Geoff Plant attending a $185 a ticket NPA fundraiser I called Plant's Civil City office today and spoke to his staff. As a result of his fair comments written in your paper about finding a COPE event interesting to attend, and meeting people to get a sense from them about what initiatives the city should be undertaking to ensure Project Civil City gets realized, I invited him to attend a Nov.8 COPE fundraiser hosted by park board commissioners. Tickets are $60."

Continued Ms. Woodcock, "I hope that Mr Plant will see the same merit in attending COPE fundraisers as he does in supporting NPA and Vision fundraisers. This way he will be able to speak to a wider spectrum of residents and hear a larger diversity of views." The following is a complete copy of that email.

***

From: Loretta
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 4:26 PM
Subject: To Sean Holman re: Geoff Plant attending NPA fundraiser

Hello Sean

After reading your Nov.1 article about Geoff Plant attending a $185 a ticket NPA fundraiser I called Plant's Civil City office today and spoke to his staff. As a result of his fair comments written in your paper about finding a COPE event interesting to attend, and meeting people to get a sense from them about what initiatives the city should be undertaking to ensure Project Civil City gets realized, I invited him to attend a Nov.8 COPE fundraiser hosted by park board commissioners. Tickets are $60.

Considering that the dog task force was retired at the Oct.29 park board meeting due to it's inability to deal with the issue of enforcement, and with operating discussions taking place over the next 4 months at city council, I suggested to Plants' staff that one issue that needs stronger resources put behind it by the city is an expanded dog enforcement program that includes not only increases in enforcement personel, but also launching a creative awareness building program for off leash dog parks and "humane" ticketing of errant dog owners. By addressing irresponsible dog owner behaviours, it would make the city a better place for everyone. I have some ideas that I have heard from residents that could contribute to some innovative ways to improve the city's dog enforcement program.

I hope that Mr Plant will see the same merit in attending COPE fundraisers as he does in supporting NPA and Vision fundraisers. This way he will be able to speak to a wider spectrum of residents and hear a larger diversity of views.

Sincerely
Loretta

-----------------
Commissioner Loretta Woodcock
Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation

Yesterday, the Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr asked, "Am I the only one who thinks it is odd that Vancouver's civil city commissioner Geoff Plant turned up at last week's NPA fundraiser? Plant may not be on staff but he is still on the city payroll." But that's a distinction Mr. Plant seems to believe is important.

Asked about the alleged conflict, Mr. Plant, who has been tasked with reducing instances of public disorder, told Public Eye, "I'm not an employee of the city. And I'm not sure that would matter one way or another. In fact, my role is as a consultant. I don't hold an office that has a statutory origin. So it would seem to me to be a thing to do - to go to the dinner. It was a great way to talk to a lot of folks about civil city issues. So it was certainly useful from that point of view."

"There's no doubt the purchase of the ($185) ticket" by Mr. Plant's law firm Heenan Blaikie LLP "helped support the NPA. But I'm not a bureaucrat with the city. I'm a private citizen whose doing work for the city. And, in that respect, I didn't think there was a problem."

In fact, Mr. Plant says "Who knows, if Vision Vancouver invited me to a dinner, I might show up there too." Or even the Coalition of Progressive Electors perhaps? "Well, it would be interesting. If they did it might be a great opportunity to go and meet the people who support COPE and get a sense from them about what initiatives the city should be undertaking to ensure Project Civil City gets realized."

Matthew Taylor has told the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors he won't be running for re-election as the civic party's president. The reason: Mr. Taylor recently resigned as an associate with Heenan Blaikie LLP to become corporate counsel for the Quigg Group. And his new responsibilities at the development company won't leave much time for politicking. Mr. Taylor, whose term expires in April, made the announcement at the board's last meeting, on October 10.

Former federal Liberal national vice-president Mike Hillman says he presently has no plans to reprise his role as the Non-Partisan Association's campaign director during the next civic election. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Hillman said "there has been some discussion with regards to that. But I will be focusing my time on Vancouver-Kingsway." Mr. Hillman is chairing Liberal candidate Wendy Yuan's campaign in that riding.

This past weekend's Dream Vancouver conference at the Jewish Community Centre brought together some of the region's most prominent citizens for "a discussion designed to bring them to a collective vision of what the city could be." But two of the conference's attendees talked about a somewhat more divisive topic. In an interview with Public Eye, provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson confirmed Coalition of Progressive Electors city councillor David Cadman spoke with him "about a range of issues" including Mr. Cadman's "interest in running for mayor."

Mr. Robertson said Mr. Cadman "hasn't made any formal decision about running." Asked whether Mr. Cadman requested an endorsement, the Vancouver-Fairview MLA responded , "It was more just information sharing. The city politics scene is complicated. And he's obviously in the midst of it all. So we're just keeping in touch." Mr. Robertson is also seen as a prospective mayoral candidate.

Steve Simpson, the Non-Partisan Association's ad man during the last civic election, isn't sure whether he'll be packing his bags for the next campaign trial. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Simpson - the chairman and chief strategist for Vancouver-based Identity Mangement Inc. - explained, "I'm on the horns of a dilemma because I'm on the board of the Vancouver Port Authority. And, as a federal entity, it would be frowned upon for me to take an active role in any political activities." But the amalgamation of that board with the Fraser River and North Fraser port authorities means Mr. Simpson may loose his appointment. As a result, he says, "If I'm able to (campaign) as a result of the unfortunate event of not making it back onto the board, I probably will get involved. If I do stay on the board, I know I can't. And my foot is twitching because I love elections. But I'm also loving what I'm doing on the ports at the same time."

Former VanCity Credit Union chair David Levi has built his company GrowthWorks Ltd. into the second-largest manager of labour-sponsored investment funds in the country. And now "three or four" civic-minded Vancouverites are suggesting he should take his talents to the mayor's office. In an interview Public Eye, Mr. Levi confirmed "folks who would normally be supporters of the NPA and Vision/COPE" have approached him about seeking the post "over the last few weeks." Characterizing the talks as "very preliminary," Mr. Levi said he told his suitors, "'That's interesting. And I'll think about it. I've got a lot of responsibilities where I am today. And I enjoy what I do. So it's something that I'll give some thought to.' But it hasn't gone much further than that."

Noting this wasn't anything he had "planned to think about," Mr. Levi said he'll be reviewing "the whole notion of what I think I can offer and what it would mean" to run for mayor before making a decision. "It would be a huge change in my life. And I really need to think about whether that's something I want to do." In 1990, Mr. Levi ran as a city council candidate as a member of the now defunct Civic New Democrat slate.

Last month, Monday Magazine's Russ Francis reported members of the Victoria Civic Electors - the New Democrat's capital city municipal wing - will soon be presented with two different "visions of the future." The first would see the revitalization of the civic electors by "recruiting a new executive to track down enough good candidates so that the New Democrats will control the council." The second, on the other hand, would "dissolve the current organization and establish a committed and experienced investigative team" as part of a possible effort to "create a new organization to elect a majority of 'progressive individuals' to the city council" - an option favoured by the party's former mayoral candidate Ben Isitt.

Speaking on Public Eye Radio this weekend, Mr. Isitt said, "I think it's good that the VCE leadership is looking ahead. My personal view, for some time, has been that Victoria needs a broader civic party. I think there may be a role for the NDP-Green divide in provincial-federal politics - although that is debatable in the long-term. But I think, locally, we just don't benefit by having those divisions. And I think there can be really advantages in having New Democrats, Greens, independents and people from across the political spectrum working together in one common organization."

Continued Mr. Isitt, "I think the Greens have been on the cutting edge of policy development. And New Democrats can learn a lot from that. And, municipally, we have this opportunity to combine the experience and the strong, I think, social movement base of the NDP with these innovative policies of the Greens. The whole provincial and federal debates can be left at the door. Those aren't really necessary if our objective is to ensure there's sound representation in Victoria and the other municipalities and that we have a vision for where we're taking this city and region, I think this proposal can help us accomplish that."

That being said though, Mr. Isitt said there's a "lot of things" the civic electors could do to revitlize themselves. "But I think, given the political alignments in the city, I think the other option is better just to avoid the duplication of various campaigns. You could count six different campaigns of the broadly-defined left in the last election between school board and council. And I think that duplication can be counter-productive."

And what about his personal political future? Is Mr. Isitt going to make another run for mayor? "Mayor, council I'm going to have to decide that," he responded. "I have a daughter now. So I've got a lot of priorities beyond politics - work and my family. But it's fairly certain that I will want to seek elected office in the future - and definitely, right now, I'm looking towards November 2008. But, again, in the last two elections I've kind of run by default in the absence of a strong advocate for environmental and social values. So I'm open to supporting others. Perhaps there's a recent retiree who's just moved to our city who's just a very strong community leader and has strong views. And I'm be happy to support someone like that."

Back in July, 24 hours' Alex Tsakumis reported Mayor Sam Sullivan's "henchmen have hatched a plot, at his 'quiet' behest to protect him from an NPA mayoral nomination meeting in 2008." But it seems the association's park board members aren't as enthusiastic about that proposal - which would ensure incumbent candidates won't have to compete for a spot on the civic party's slate. In an email sent to association president Matthew Taylor, Heather Holden, Korina Houghton, Ian Robertson and Marty Zlotnik write, "we the elected NPA Park Board caucus strongly oppose any type of incumbency protection. It is our view that the strength of the NPA has been and will continue to be its ability to attract the very best and brightest candidates that Vancouver has to offer. This cannot be accomplished with incumbency protection."

Asked for comment on the letter, Mr. Taylor said, "as the board prepares its nomination rules for the upcoming election year. We have made a special effort to consult with members of caucus. And we appreciate and listen very carefully to the views of caucus as expressed. There was nothing inappropriate about this (letter). To the contrary, this is exactly what we asked for." Taylor also said association board discussions about incumbency protection haven't been driven by the mayor's supporters. The following is a complete copy of that email.

***

August 29, 2007
Matthew Taylor
President
Non-Partisan Association

Via E-Mail

Dear Matthew,

Further to your request for input from the NPA caucus regarding incumbency protection, we the elected NPA Park Board caucus strongly oppose any type of incumbency protection. It is our view that the strength of the NPA has been and will continue to be its ability to attract the very best and brightest candidates that Vancouver has to offer. This cannot be accomplished with incumbency protection.

Thank you for the opportunity to express our opinion.

Sincerely

Heather Holden

Korina Houghton

Ian Robertson

Marty Zlotnik

On Saturday, the Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Association will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the summer of love during its Hippie Daze celebration. But it seems the Non-Partisan Association won't have much of an opportunity to tap into the flower power at that event. According to an email from the NPA's caucus coordinator George Higgins - which was obtained by Public Eye - the association has been asked by the Hippie Daze organizers "to not have a booth at the event this year. They are concerned about an incident/protest happening with (striking) CUPE members and that it would disrupt their event. They look forward to working with us in the future, and would like us to still have anyone who is interested attend, just not in a formal capacity."

In an interview, business association manager Cheryl Easton explained, "I just didn't want them to get set up for an egging kind of thing. It's just not that kind of event where we want it to become a political" controversy. "It may be nothing. And the irony is that Hippy Daze is celebrating the tolerance and the acceptance and all that kind of thing. But, at the same time, we just don't want to get in the middle of anything. Because I don't know enough about either side." Ms. Easton said none of the civic parties had approached her about participating in the event.

Last week, Shared Vision put Vancouver-Fairview provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson on its cover, asking whether Vancouverites "need a former organic farmer in City Hall?" But, according to polling information distributed to Non-Partisan Association caucus members, the electorate might have other priorities. The poll shows, when asked to choose among a field of left-leaning mayoral candidates, just 10 percent of non-NPA voters said they would likely vote for Mr. Robertson. Coalition of Progressive Electors councillor David Cadman also polled at 10 percent, with Vision Vancouver councillor Raymond Louie coming in fourth place at six percent. But Vancouver East federal New Democrat parliamentarian Libby Davies smoked them all at 31 percent. The poll, which was completed before the strike (between late June and early July), surveyed close to 150 Terminal City dwellers - with 43 percent of them expressing a voting preference for the association. That small sample size means the poll is less accurate than those conducted by major public opinion research firms. The following is a complete copy of that research.

Public Opinion - Opposition Choices

Libby Davies - 31 percent
David Cadman - 10 percent
Gregor Robertson - 10 percent
Raymond Louie - 6 percent
Fred Bass - 1 percent
None of the above - 23 percent
Don't know/refused - 19 percent

So what does Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's office have to say about city clerk Syd Baxter's controversial email - which was first reported by Public Eye. Well, in an interview with your humble organ, the mayor's communication director David Hurford. "We support Syd 100 percent. He's got a great track record of community service. He serves the city well everday. He's admitted to this error. He's taken responsibility for it right away. He's done the right thing by apologizing for it...And we hope Syd will be getting on with the level of service that we've become accustom to. And he serves all councillors very well. Syd is a very non-partisan guy in terms of his day-to-day work."

But isn't the mayor concerned about Mr. Baxter comparing the city's council chambers to a toilet bowl, suggesting it's deliberations result in hot air? "I think that Mayor Sullivan will have a good sense of humour with regards to a statement like that. We'll leave other councillors to comment about their own personal views about that statement," responded Mr. Hurford. "Syd's record of service speaks for itself. The way he treats people in the chamber is very respectful."

Earlier, we exclusively reported on Vancouver city clerk Syd Baxter's accusation that British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs was "engineering" a potential strike by civic workers. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Baxter said he notified Vancouver's elected officials about that accusation - which was included in a personal email accidentally sent to the Coalition of Progressive Electors. And it just so happens your humble organ has obtained that notification. The following is a complete copy.

----- Original Message -----
From: Baxter, Syd
To: Anton, Suzanne; Ball, Elizabeth; Cadman, David; Capri, Kim; Chow, George; Deal, Heather; Ladner, Peter; Lee, B.C.; Louie, Raymond; Stevenson, Tim; Sullivan, Sam
Cc: Rogers, Judy
Sent: Mon Jul 16 12:25:22 2007
Subject: Personal communication - important

Council Members:

This is to let you know of an unfortunate personal occurrence that has become public.
On Thursday, July 12 on my personal email at home, I received an email from a friend who attached, for my interest, a newsletter he had received from COPE by email. He is on the COPE mail list.
On Thursday evening July 12, 2007 I replied to him from my personal email account and it was inadvertently forwarded to the COPE email address. I believe this occurred somehow because of the incoming attachment. I take responsibility for that error.
This was a personal and private email intended only for my friend. I have communicated with COPE yesterday and advised them of this situation and requested that the email be destroyed and communicated to no person.
The email expressed some frustration with the labour situation the City is facing and contained humour. Obviously, this was private and never intended to become public and should not have. However, if it should cause offence, I sincerely apologize.

Syd Baxter
City Clerk, City of Vancouver

British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs is demanding an apology from Vancouver city clerk Syd Baxter. This, after Mr. Baxter, accused Mr. Meggs of "engineering" a potential strike by civic workers. In a personal email, which was accidentally sent to the Coalition of Progressive Electors on July 12, Mr. Baxter writes "We are going through usual BC politics at the expense of the civic workers. Ask any one of the staff why they are striking and they don't know. Truly, no exaggeration. CUPE and I have no doubt Geoff Meggs and company are engineering this across the region. No work is being done as staff contemplate this."

In response, Mr. Meggs - who was former Mayor Larry Campbell's chief of staff - notified Mr. Baxter via email, "Your statement about me is false and offensive and I would appreciate your immediate written apology."

Speaking with Public Eye, Mr. Baxter wouldn't comment on issuing an apology, saying "I haven't seen anything from Geoff Meggs. So I have nothing to say about that."

As for the email itself, the city clerk says, "I acknowledge that it is my private email. It was sent from my private email account. And it was sent on my own time to a personal friend. I'm not prepared to discuss the content of a personal communication with a friend. I will say that this email is personal and separate from my role as a public servant - a role which I have carried out for 39 years in a professional and unbiased manner. I've informed the mayor and council of this unfortunate occurence - an error on my part. I also yesterday requested COPE to destroy this email which they obviously received in error."

In the email, Mr. Baxter also expresses hope that, "I don't get toilets." - a reference to the fact many managers will be doing union jobs if a strike does happen. He then adds, "What am I saying, I already have the big Chamber bowl. p.s. hope you are well!!! It was 35C yesterday here in south surrey. In Van with the council meeting hot air it must have been at least 40C." The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned emails. Mr. Baxter's initial email was apparently written in response to an item published in last week's Coalition of Progressive Electors newsletter.

***

From: Geoff Meggs
Sent: July 16, 2007 12:40 PM
To: Syd Baxter
Subject: E-mail regarding civic union negotiations

Syd Baxter,
City Clerk,
Vancouver City Hall,
453 West 12th.Ave,
Vancouver, BC

Dear Mr. Baxter,

This morning, your e-mail below was brought to my attention. Your statement about me is false and offensive and I would appreciate your immediate written apology.

Yours truly,

Geoff Meggs

***

From: Syd Baxter
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 9:58 PM
To: 'The Coalition of Progressive Electors'
Subject: RE: COPE Newsletter

Hi Greg:

As you might think (!!) --- horsefeathers! We are going through usual BC politics at the expense of the civic workers. Ask any one of the staff why they are striking and they don't know. Truly, no exaggeration. CUPE and I have no doubt Geoff Meggs and company are engineering this across the region. No work is being done as staff contemplate this.

I expect they will be out early next week. Then I go to 60 hrs wk. Hope I don't get toilets. What am I saying, I already have the big Chamber bowl.

Syd.

p.s. hope you are well!!! It was 35C yesterday here in south surrey. In Van with the council meeting hot air it must have been at least 40C.

***

Mayor dithers as civic strike looms

Vancouver - It's not too late for Mayor Sam Sullivan to avert a stoppage in city services, says COPE Cllr David Cadman.

"The Mayor could show leadership and immediately engage with civic workers to avert any disruption in services," said Cadman. "Instead Sullivan is leaving it all to administrative staff and the GVRD Labour Relations Bureau who are locked in an inflexible process that has dragged on far too long without any solution."

Vancouver's 1800 outside workers, represented by CUPE local 1004, served 72-hour strike notice on July 10. They join other CUPE locals from across the Lower Mainland who have voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action.

"Unfortunately the Labour Relations Bureau has set bargaining parameters that they won't budge from," said Cadman. "Meanwhile NPA Cllr Ball, Vancouver's representative on the Bureau, has not reported back to Council in any meaningful way about these protracted negations."

Civic workers say the Bureau is following an Olympic driven agenda and are demanding a 39-month contract.

"The professionalism and hard work of City staff are what make Vancouver the number one city in the world," said COPE External Chairperson Ellen Woodsworth. "To force them into a situation where they might have to take job action is unconceivable."

When CUPE BC president and representatives of civic workers tried to meet with the Labour Relations Bureau on July 05, Cllr Ball and other members of the Bureau walked out of the room refusing to hear the workers' delegation.

"There is no reason for Vancouver residents to suffer a cut in services," said Cadman. "If that happens Mayor Sullivan and his do-nothing Council colleagues need to take full responsibility."

Speaking on the Coalition of Progressive Electors, last Thursday 300 supporters showed up for the civic party's summer barbeque at the Rowing Club in Stanley Park. This, according to news release circulated by the coalition. But not mentioned in that release was the fact former councillors Fred Bass, Tim Louis and Anne Roberts didn't attend the celebration. Asked about those absences, coalition external relations co-chair Ellen Woodsworth said, "Tim was sick. He's been sick off and on for a couple weeks. And he's on the executive. And he was at our retreat on Sunday. And he gave regrets." But what about Mr. Bass and Ms. Roberts? "I think they're just kind of taking a pause. They worked really hard. And I think they just wanted to take a bit of a step back for a while and see what will emerge with the new executive."

Provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson hasn't said whether he'll be running to be Vancouver's mayor. But that hasn't stopping the members of the city's chattering classes from talking to him about the possibility - including Coalition of Progressive Electors external co-chair Ellen Woodsworth. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Woodsworth confirmed she encouraged Mr. Robertson be an independent candidate if he puts his name on the ballot during the next civic election. "I think everyone's having conversations with Gregor at this point," Ms. Woodsworth explained. "And we're talking to many different people to see who would be interested, who could run as an independent and get the support of as many people as possible." Nevertheless, it's expected that, if Mr. Robertson did seek the mayoralty, he would do so on Vision Vancouver's ticket.

Earlier this week, the Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr reported Mayor Sam Sullivan has been courting the monied classes as part of his fundraising campaign. Mr. Garr's evidence: in part, luxury cars parked outside a spring cocktail reception at Vancouver Board of Trade member Lorne Segal's "$5.1 million (2006 assessed value), three-acre estate." Quipped the columnist, "This was a not a meeting of the "bike to work week" organizing committee." So is it coincidental that the invitation for Mayor Sullivan's upcoming annual barbeque - which was sent out today - doesn't list where it will be held? The following is a complete copy of that invite.

His Worship Sam Sullivan Mayor of Vancouver
Would like to invite you to his

Annual Barbeque for Friends & Supporters
VENUE:

DATE:
Wednesday, June 13th, 2007
(Rain or Shine)

TIME:
5:30 - 8pm

RSVP:
By email at:
mayorsbbq@npavancouver.ca

-or-

By phone:

before Monday, June 11th. Please let us know if you prefer a vegetarian meal, and if you will be bringing any family with you.

Last month, The Vancouver Sun's Francis Bula reported the city's former mayors "say they can't remember hiring a consultant or lobbyist to help them negotiate with the provincial or federal governments as Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has. And current representatives of cities from Surrey to Calgary to Toronto say they would never hire a lobbyist." This, in response to news the premier's special advisor Ken Dobell had registered to lobby the provincial and federal governments on behalf of the Sullivan administration. But it seems Mr. Dobell isn't the only one making sure Ottawa is paying attention to Vancouver's concerns. On May 15, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP partner Bruce Sinclair registered to lobby for "amendments to the Income Tax Act to facilitate and encourage private sector participation in the development and construction of supportive housing."

Earlier, we told you former Vancouver board of variance chair Terry Martin was being promoted as a possible Coalition of Progressive Electors executive candidate. And, sure enough, he's a member of the Labour for COPE slate, which will be running against the Group of Seven during tomorrow afternoon's coalition board elections. Other notables on the slate - which was first reported by Vancouver Kid - include former councillor Tim Louis, his partner Penny Parry and Headtax Families of Canada co-chair Sid Tan. The Sullivan administration recently cancelled the funding for Mr. Tan's position as the Downtown Eastside Residents Association's seniors coordinator. The following is a complete copy of that slate.

Dear Friends,

The Friends of COPE are pleased to present a strongly solid, membership-driven slate for the 2007 COPE Executive -- one which proudly stands up for working people, our communities, and the progressive principles our party was founded on.

For a positive and forward thinking Vancouver future, the people to vote for at this Sunday's COPE AGM are:

Rider COOEY
Angelica GUTIERREZ
Paul HOULE
Tim LOUIS
Penny PARRY
Terry MARTIN
Sid TAN
John YANO

Here is a bit about each of them. At the meeting we will have a handout with the names written across the top.

Rider Cooey - strong COPE member, often appears at City Council to speak as a citizen to City Council activities including police issues

Angelica Gutierrez - independent community radio journalist for America Latina al Dia, a bilingual, political program on Vancouver Co-op Radio. Member of Vancouver Internationalist Bolivarian Circle 'Bob Everton'; strong COPE member

Paul Houle - social worker, longtime COPE member, currently treasurer on the executive, heavily involved in school issues

Tim Louis - two term City Councillor, founder of Handidart, longtime COPE member, on current executive

Penny Parry - longtime COPE member, currently membership secretary on the executive, former Child and Youth advocate for the City of Vancouver, current watchdog for the Fed of Child and Family Serving Agencies re the Hughes report

Terry Martin - former Chair Vancouver Board of Variance [the board that was dismissed by the NPA], longtime COPE member who attends many COPE executive meetings as a regular member

Sid Tan - co-chair Headtax Families of Canada; leader community alternative media; DERA worker in Chinese community; longtime COPE member

John Yano - social justice activist; HEU provincial executive subcommittee for support workers member; HEU Lesbian & Gay standing committee; Delegate, VDLC; strong COPE member

Thanks so much again for your support!

Elections for a new COPE Executive will be held at the COPE Annual General Meeting

1:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 27
CAPRI Hall
3925 Fraser Street
Vancouver

Last week, we reported a "group of seven" candidates would be running for the Coalition of Progressive Electors executive. As expected, some see supporting that slate as a "revolt of sorts against the (coalition's) present leadership" - this, according to The Georgia Straight's Carlito Pablo. But who else will be in that race, you may wonder? Well, in an interview with Public Eye, Seve Oaks Magazine founding editor Charles Demers confirmed he's "seriously considering" putting his name forward to be the coalition's membership secretary. And former board of variance chair Terry Martin is also being promoted as a possible executive candidate.

Back in March, The Georgia Straight's Matthew Burrows quoted Hospital Employees' Union president Fred Muzin as saying his union wouldn't fund the Coalition of Progressive Electors or Vision Vancouver, "until they can heal their rift." And, when asked whether the Canadian Union of Public Employees would be endorsing either civic party through funding, British Columbia president Barry O'Neil said, "No." But it seems some unionists are less than pleased with that policy. In an email sent out late last night, select labour leaders called on their brothers and sisters to end the "boycott of COPE and Vision" and, presumably, back the coalition. The following is a complete copy of that email.

Why Punish COPE?

1) Labour's Boycott Is Not Even-Handed -

The labour leaderships' boycott of COPE and Vision is anything but balanced. First, COPE is far more reliant on contributions from the union movement than Vision is. In the 2005 election, 69% of COPE's total contributions were from the labour movement, but only 12% of Vision's donations came from unions. Second, the breakaway faction who left COPE to form Vision skipped out on their share of COPE's 2002 election debt- a debt that got them elected in the first place - leaving COPE to pick up the tab of hundreds of thousands of dollars used to elect Vision councillors. Add to this the fact that Vision spent over three times as much as COPE did in 2005 and it becomes clear that the supposedly even-handed boycott hits COPE far worse than it does Vision.

2) COPE Is Not Responsible For The Split -

Mayor Larry Campbell broke from COPE even before he took office when he threatened to go ahead and obtain an injunction against the Woodwards squat. The Friends of Larry Campbell broke democratically-adopted COPE policy which supports a freeze on transit fares when their rep on Translink voted for a fare increase. They broke COPE election promises to oppose slot machines. They broke with COPE policy opposing P3's when they purged Fred Bass from the Translink board and had his replacement Raymond Louie cast the deciding vote that brought in the P3 RAV line. They tried unsuccessfully to expel Fred Bass, Tim Louis and Anne Roberts from the COPE executive. They started organizing their own fundraisers and setting up their web site months before the incident they used as a pretext for their split. Vision broke away from COPE, not the other way around. Vision Vancouver and its leadership have to bear full responsibility for the split. They were the ones who organized it, after all.

3) Vision Vancouver Does Not Respect Democracy -

After repeated unsuccessful attempts to change COPE policy, Vision simply ignored the repeated votes of the majority of COPE members. They went further, setting up an organization run by an unelected executive committee, fielding hand- picked candidates that had never seen a nominating meeting, and putting forward policies developed in the back rooms that had never come before a membership meeting.

4) Vision Vancouver Runs On Corporate Money -

You dance with them what brung you. In 2005, 69% of COPE's donations were from the union movement. Vision Vancouver's funding shows where their support comes from. 73% of Vision's funds came from corporations. Only 12% came from unions. Nearly half of Vision's total contributions - 46.7%, or $632,622 - came from developers and gambling and liquor interests. Even more telling, Vision Vancouver does not hesitate to accept money from some of the worst lockout artists in town, like Gary Jackson of Royal Diamond Casino fame, and like Telus' $9,100 donation, most of which Vision received in the middle of Telus' 2005 lockout of TWU.

The "labour boycott of COPE and Vision" is not neutral, is not even-handed, is not constructive, and is not even rooted in reality. We in labour should not be punishing COPE for the disunity that Vision has created.

Signed in personal capacity. Organizations are listed for identification purposes only.

John Ames
Secretary treasurer
B.C. Government and Service Employees Union local 503
Delegate, Vancouver and District Labour Council

Jim Houlahan
Vice-president
Canadian Auto Workers local 111
Delegate, VDLC

Gretchen Dulmage
Vice-chair and chief shop steward
Childrens and Women's Hospital Site
HEU / PSHA Amalgamated local, CUPE 6010
VDLC executive member-at-large

Dick Fahlman
Steward and former treasurer
International Theatre and Stage Employees Union
Local 891
(motion picture production technicians)

Gordon Flett
Shop steward
Communication, Energy and Paparworkers local 2000
Former chair, VDLC strike support committee

John Yano
Conductor and steward, HEU St. Paul's local
HEU / CUPE 6016
Member, HEU provincial executive subcommittee for support workers
Member, HEU LG standing committee
Delegate, VDLC

Will Offley
Member, B.C. Nurses Union
Central Vancouver Region
Delegate, VDLC

Isobel Kiborn
HEU / CUPE (retired)

Mike Palacek
Shop steward
Canadian Union of Postal Workers
Vancouver local

Ken Hiebert
Member, International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Local 500

Christine Arcand
Former executive member
HEU / CUPE Vancouver General Hospital local

Mike O'Neill
Executive member
Vancouver Secondary Teachers Association
Former COPE school board trustee

Cathy Peters
PHSA Amalgamated Local HEU/CUPE 6010
HEU People with Disabilities Equity Standing Committee
CUPE National Disability Rights Working Group
VDLC alternate delegate

Larry Tallman
Member, Canadian Union of Public Employees
Local 15

Frank Barbeau
Retired member
Brewery and Distillery Workers local 300

Gene McGuckin
Executive member, CEP 1129
Delegate, VDLC

Maureen Bourke
Secretary treasurer
Telecommunication Workers Union local 63

Claudio Eckdahl
Component 6 executive member
BCGEU 603
VDLC delegate

Jim Brown
Member, TWU 30

Paul Houle
Shop steward
BCGEU 603
COPE treasurer

This Friday, former independent council candidate Jamie Lee Hamilton will be hosting an "informal get-together" for Tim Louis at the Pendera Building on West Pender Street. And what's the reason for this get-together, you may wonder? Well, in an email sent to friends and associates, Ms. Hamilton writes the former Coalition of Progressive Electors councillor "is wanting to bring a special message about his future plans." Whatever could that mean? The following is a complete copy of that email.

-----Original Message-----
From: tricia foxx
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 2:47 PM
Subject: Request of You to Meet Someone

Dear Friends,

This Friday May 18, 2007 at 8pm, I'm hosting an informal get-together for former City Councillor, Tim Louis. This event will be in the main floor common room at the Pendera, which is located at 133 West Pender Street.

Tim and his partner, Penny Parry have done amazing work for Vancouver's cultural diverse communities. Tim is a practising lawyer and is a founder of the Handi-Dart transit system. He served for six years as a Vancouver Park board Commissioner before being elected to City Council in 1999 where he remained until 2005. Penny Parry, his longtime partner, is a former Child and Youth Advocate for the City of Vancouver and was instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of homelessness back in the mid 1990's. Most recently, she was instrumental in ensuring Vancouver adopted the ethical purchasing policy for the City.

Tim is wanting to bring a special message about his future plans. I have had a long respect for Tim Louis, who helped me out enormously in 1988 when I was facing discrimination at Vancouver Community College. Tim was successful in bringing my situation to a satisfactory conclusion. So without question, I have always had immense respect for Tim and Penny too. I encourage my friends to stop by and say hello to Tim and Penny. And whatever Tim's request are, I am hopeful that you can assist him.

Please RSVP if possible. I will see you on Friday, May
18 at 8pm at 133 West Pender Street.

Cheers

Jamie Lee

Earlier, we reported a slate of seven candidates, including former Vancouver councillor Ellen Woodsworth, would be running for the Coalition of Progressive Electors executive on May 27. And there's been suggestions that Vancouver-Kensington provincial New Democrat legislator David Chudnovsky is backing that slate. So what does the transportation critic have to say about such talk? Well, in an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Chudnovsky said, "I know some of those folks (on the slate) and they're good folks - and so are some of the other folks on the executive. And I'm sure we'll have a great executive at the end of the election." So does that mean he's supporting the slate? "I support some people who are in that group and some who aren't," Mr. Chudnovsky responded.

The Group of Seven is an organization of industrialized nations, an association of Canadian landscape painters and now a slate running for the Coalition of Progressive Electors executive. In an email sent to friends and supporters, former Vancouver councillor Ellen Woodsworth - a member of the slate - writes, "We are committed to bring progressive people from within and outside COPE to start organizing the defeat of the NPA in 2008. People across this city have been asking me how we can defeat the NPA. I think we can do that by creating a coalition of progressive forces, bringing together COPE, Vision and others." Other slate members include retired BC Nurses Union labour relations officer Dave Ages, coalition internal chair Donalda Geenwell-Baker, former coalition fundraising organizer Carlo Bodrogi, Vancouver School Board community coordinator Nathan Lusignan, Vancouver Fringe Festial operations coordinator Rachel Marcuse, and Festival Distribution Inc. development vice-president Lucas Schuller. Coalition executive elections are scheduled for May 27. The following is a complete copy of that email.

From: Ellen Woodsworth
Sent: May 2, 2007 1:48 PM
Subject: Together we can shape the future of Vancouver!

Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know that I've decided to join six colleagues running for the COPE executive at the AGM on May 27, 1:00 at the Capri Hall (3925 Fraser St.).

We are committed to bring progressive people from within and outside COPE to start organizing the defeat of the NPA in 2008. People across this city have been asking me how we can defeat the NPA. I think we can do that by creating a coalition of progressive forces, bringing together COPE, Vision and others. The time to start building principled unity is now. Our organization needs to be reenergized and mobilized to fight the NPA. COPE has a proud tradition of activism and coalition-building; we want to stay true to the party's values and keep that legacy active. Each of us needs to participate. You can help by coming to the AGM on Sunday May 27 at 1:00 and voting at the AGM. (See below for membership details.)

I am pleased to be running with 6 other energetic, experienced candidates. Our group includes young activists with new blood for the party as well as experienced COPE members (for complete bios, see the attached pdf).

Nathan Lusignan is a 22 year-old political science student from East Vancouver. Nathan has at various times been an employee of the Social Planning Department, Sea Breeze Power Corp., a director of Families for School Seismic Safety, and president of the Vancouver District Student Council. He is currently a Community Coordinator for the VSB and can be found playing street hockey at Garden Park when the sun comes out.

Dave Ages has been a long time activist including in trade unions, anti-racist and progressive organizations and the peace movement. The first half of his working life included factory work, construction, shipbuilding and fishpacking. He then began a career in industrial relations and recently retired as a Labour Relations Officer with the BC Nurses' Union. He continues to be active in local and international issues.

Rachel Marcuse, 23, completed a BA Hon. in sociology from McGill and has returned to her home town of Vancouver where she is working with the Fringe Festival. She has been active as a facilitator, around youth engagement, anti-oppression, global justice, health promotion (with over 35 service providers and street-involved youth in Vancouver), student politics, art for social change and more. She spearheaded a project to implement the first ethical purchasing policy for a student society and was recently in Argentina working with the recovered/occupied factory movement.

Donalda Geenwell-Baker has been a COPE member for many years and has worked on numerous campaigns. She has held several different positions on the COPE Executive and is currently the Internal Chair. In addition, Donalda is very active in her union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) currently servicing as the full time Secretary Treasurer of CUPE Local 15. She is also a member of the Executive Board of the Vancouver and District Labour Council (VDLC.)

Carlo Bodrogi, 25, is the the son of immigrant Philippino and Hungarian parents. At the age of 18, he co-orchestrated a successful organizing campaign of over 120 young workers at his workplace for the Canadian Auto workers. Carlo has since been employed in co-ordination positions with for the Canadian Federation of Students, The World Peace Forum, McGill University, the World Urban Festival, the Just for Laughs Festival, and most recently as the organizer of COPE fundraising events. He also recently completed work with filmmaker Nettie Wild on a DVD and teaching program about Vancouver's Street Nurse outreach program.

Ellen Woodsworth is a community organizer working for social justice, economic equality and environmentally sound planning. She was a COPE City Councillor from 2002 to 2005. Since then she has been organizing Climate Change forums and was the Secretary and Cities Coordinator of the World Peace Forum Board. Ellen believes that a strong coalition of progressive forces can defeat the NPA in the next municipal election. Working together with other like minded individuals and organizations, we have the ideas, the track record and the energy to win!

Lucas Schuller has lived 24 of his 25 years in East Vancouver. He is a graduate of the music programmes at VCC and SFU. He has served on the boards of the Canadian Federation of Students, Vancouver Community College and the Van East Cultural Centre and is currently VP of development at Festival Distribution, an independent record label and distributor. He is an avid cyclist, hockey fan and softball player.

To vote at the AGM, you must be a member of COPE. To sign-up or renew your membership, please be in touch with me at ewoods@vcn.bc.ca . All membership applications, available on line at www.cope.bc.ca , must be received by May 23 for approval before the AGM on May 27 at 1pm at Capri Hall (3925 Fraser St.).

Together we can make this a great party and Vancouver a great city.

Join us on May 27!

Ellen Woodsworth

Non-Partisan Association Councillor Peter Ladner, the vice-president of Business in Vancouver Media Group Ltd., may have spent 35 years in the journalism business. But he seems to have no love for leaked documents that get his supporters into trouble. Back in March, Public Eye reported Allen Langdon - Mr. Ladner's former election campaign manager - had apparently been using his taxpayer-funded e-mail address at 2010 LegaciesNow to send out partisan messages. That prompted Mr. Langdon's resignation from the association's board of directors - and this note from the councillor: "Those who follow 24 Hrs. newspaper will notice that there is a move afoot to take out my supporters, and, by implication, me - at the NPA board, limiting the organization's options for the best possible slate for the 08 election. I find this quite distressing."

"It is very important to me that we get good people onto the board at the upcoming NPA AGM where 8 seats will be up for election," he continued. "That means getting as many members as possible to come out to the meeting...to support a group of board members who can be counted onto be fair, trustworthy, competent and not leak internal board correspondence to the media."

Asked about that email, Mr. Ladner explained, "I was concerned that, if that kind of thing continued or was repeated or escalated it would not be good for me or the NPA." He went onto confirm that was one of the reasons why he ran a slate of board candidates at the meeting - a slate that trounced Mayor Sam Sullivan's team. The following is an edited copy of the text of the aforementioned email.

***

Dear friends and supporters:

Those who follow 24 Hrs. newspaper will notice that there is a move afoot to take out my supporters, and, by implication, me - at the NPA board, limiting the organization's options for the best possible slate for the 08 election. I find this quite distressing. It is very important to me that we get good people onto the board at the upcoming NPA AGM where 8 seats will be up for election.

That means getting as many members as possible to come out to the meeting on Wednesday April 25, 6:30 for 7 pm (voting at 8 pm) at the Heritage Hall, 15th and Main to support a group of board members who can be counted on to be fair, trustworthy, competent, and not leak internal board correspondence to the media.

My records show that you are not a current NPA member. If you are available Apr. 25, I would encourage you to sign up to become a current member by emailing NPA membership chair Cindy Chan Piper with a copy to (Sheri Wisnowski) ASAP.

Sheri will follow up. Cost is $25, $15 for seniors/youth. Feel free to ask for cards for others who may want to get involved but who may not have heard from me directly. Yours for a better Vancouver.

Peter Ladner

Look who's raising money for Mayor Sam Sullivan's all-purpose election readiness fund! Why it's none other than Kingswood Properties Ltd. president and Vancouver Board of Trade member Lorne Segal. According to an event invite obtained by Public Eye, Mr. Segal is hosting a $1,000 per ticket "spring cocktail reception" for the mayor at his Southlands home on May 23, featuring "many members of his NPA team." So that must mean Peter Ladner will be attending! Right? The following is a complete copy of that document.

Lorne & Melita Segal

Invite You To

A Spring Cocktail Reception

In Support of the Election Readiness Fund of
His Worship Mayor Sam Sullivan

Many members of his NPA team
will also be in attendance

DATE: Wednesday, May 23, 2007

PLACE: The Southlands Home of Lorne & Melita Segal

TIME: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

DRESS: Business Casual

We're sure Public Eye readers will be losing sleep tonight, anxious to find out the results of the Non-Partisan Association's board elections. Well, here's the cure for your insomnia: David Choi, Yvonne De Valone, Victoria Mendes, Ned Pottinger and Matthew Taylor were electd to three-year terms on the board. Brian Demvy will be serving a two-year term. And George Cadman and Peter Ormesher will be serving one-year terms. But the big winner was...well, we'll leave that to you to figure out.

Earlier, we reported Vancouver-Fairview provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson "wouldn't rule out" running to be mayor of Vancouver "in the long-term." But he's not the only one being talked up as a future mayoral candidate. In an interview with Public Eye, maverick parks board member Allan de Genova - whose family attended Vision Vancouver's recent annual general meeting - confirmed he's also been approached about running for the top job.

"It's interesting because, over the last few weeks, a lot of the community leaders have come forward to say, 'Gee Al, we need someone who is a consensus-builder. We need someone out there that can really bring community together. You're weak in some areas - but those strengths you can build. A lot of mayoralty candidates have built their way up all the way through, starting at the grassroots at the park board. This is your fifth term going into your sixth. Maybe it's time you go big or go home." That was their words, actually. And I said, 'What do you mean by that?' And they said, 'Well, maybe you should be looking at the mayoralty candidate position. And would you go as an independent?' That was their question to me."

But it's not just community leaders who have approached Mr. De Genova about running for mayor. "A couple of senior people within the area of Vision (Vancouver) have said that they would support my for council or the mayoralty nomination," Mr. De Genova added.

But will he actually make a bid for the mayor's job? "It's a little bit of a surprise to me to be considered for the position," he responded. "I was always thinking about moving forward. I think it's almost time I need to move forward - to council at least. But, I've been quite humbled to know that people have said, 'You know Al, if you look at what Sam (Sullivan) and what he's done - and we look at other candidates that have run in the past - you have more than a better chance considering what you've done in all 23 different neighbourhoods over the past 15 plus years."

Michael Klassen is best known to Non-Partisan Association members as the founder and president of Thinking Cap Inc. - the firm that designed and developed the civic party's Website and is responsible for Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's monthly email newsletter. But what you may not know is that, in January, Mr. Klassen was appointed by council to the city's planning commission - which he vice-chairs. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Klassen explained, "Planning experience is not a prerequisite for the planning commission. The planning commission is intended to be a cross-section of Vancouver. And I think what they're looking for mostly is just a passion for the city. I was born in Vancouver General Hospital. And I've lived in the city and worked in the city my entire life. So I felt that was one of my bigger advantages - the fact I'm actively involved in my community, my neighbourhood assocation and pretty much any street I've lived on in the city. And maybe that was some good raw material that they were looking for."

Vision Vancouver's founders served the Coalition of Progressive Electors with divorce papers back in 2005. But that didn't stop coalition elected officials David Cadman, Sharon Gregson, Spencer Hebert, and Loretta Woodcock from attending last night's $150 per ticket Vision Vancouver fundraiser at the Al Porto Ristorante. Other newsworthies at the fundraiser - which was attended by around 200 supporters - included British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union president George Heyman and federal Liberal British Columbia youth president Braeden Caley.

Last April, Premier Gordon Campbell and Mayor Sam Sullivan launched a "co-operative planning process to create a cultural precinct in downtown Vancouver." Since then, city council has approved $900,000 in grants to "develop Phase One (of that process) as well as a long-term strategy" for the cultural precinct. But doesn't that precinct presuppose the results of the Creative City Task Force, which is in the process of authoring a 10-year strategic arts and culture plan? Not at all, according to Vancouver cultural services managing director Sue Harvey.

Asked whether it might have made more sense to wait for the release of that plan before embarking on the cultural precinct project, Ms. Harvey said, "If one were starting from scratch, it might. But we have had a priority plan that's been in the place for the previous ten years." And the cultural precinct - which includes redeveloping Vancouver civic theatres - is consistent with that plan. Moreover, Ms. Harvey explained the city hopes those theatres "will be important venues that will be utilized during the arts festivals that will be associated with the Olympics." So it's important to get the cultural precinct project underway as soon as possible.

At least one Non-Partisan Association politician won't be running for re-election in 2008. In an interview with Public Eye, Eleanor Gregory confirmed she told her Vancouver school trustee caucus colleagues about those plans yesterday. Explained Ms. Gregory, "There's many things I want to do in my life. And I've spent a lot of time involved in politics. And, with my children now being young adults, there are many other things to do that intrigue me. And I want to make sure I do them."

Yesterday, we reported Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan would soon be naming a new communications director. And who's the lucky spin doctor-to-be, you may wonder? Well, the answer is David Hurford - who was most recently the Western Canada campaign director for federal Liberal leadership candidate Michael Ignatieff. This, according to a news release from the mayor's office. As our astute readers know, Mr. Hurford was previously a special advisor to then cabinet minister Allan Rock.

As our astute readers know, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's office has been communication director-less since Anna Lilly departed on February 23. But our understanding is that the interviews for that position - which was first advertised on February 12 - have wrapped up. And a replacement for the Ms. Lilly will soon be announced.

Earlier, we reported John Moonen and Associates Ltd. government relations consultant Colin Doylend and former provincial Liberal backbencher Rob Nijjar are running for seats on the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors. Also competing will be Broughton Law Corp. shareholder George Cadman, Natural Resource Minister Gary Lunn's British Columbia assistant Andrea Smith and Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants Ltd. chairman Ned Pottinger. The complete list of hopefuls is expected to be rolled out later today.

Back in 2004, the City of Vancouver hired Tom Osdoba as its first sustainability manager. Mr. Osdoba, a founding principal of Portland environmental strategy firm E4 Partners Inc., was quite a catch for the city. Prior to becoming a consultant, he worked for the Minnesota government in "several capacities, from policy analyst to a strategic manager for the Office of Environmental Assistance." So Vancouver Courier readers may have been surprised to learn Mr. Osdoba was, according to a receptionist at the sustainability office, allegedly "fired with cause" last week.

In an exclusive interview with Public Eye, Mr. Osdoba explained, "I don't want to get too much into the details of what happened" - since, at the time of his departure, he was already in the process of moving on to become managing director of the Canada Carbon Trust. "So there was a lot of overlap and transition. And I think that overlap and transition got in the middle of making a simple, easy exit with the city."

"They had some issues they wanted to talk to me about," continued Mr. Osdoba. "And I was offering a resignation. And I think that's still being clarified what that's going to look like."

And did that exit having anything to do with differences over the city's current sustainability policies? "We're all trying to do the same thing," responded Mr. Osdoba. "Part of my job is to bring change to the city. And that's never an easy task. And I think that's probably enough said on the topic. I would prefer we focus on the positive opportunities. Because the city is pretty committed to sustainability. And they're going to be able to attract some real good quality people to replace me and some other staff who left."

As some of our astute readers know, there's been much discussion recently about whether Vancouver-Fairview provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson would consider running to be mayor of Vancouver. So we thought we might see what Mr. Robertson himself has to say about that talk. Asked whether he would rule out a run for that office, he said, "It's not something I'm considering or focusing any attention on right now. But I wouldn't rule out anything in the long-term. I'm born and bred in Vancouver. It's a city I love - it's a city I represent here in the legislature - whose best interests I'm going to work for ongoing." And would he considering putting his name on the ballot for the upcoming civic election? "It's not on my radar right now. It falls within the term I've been elected here to represent."

Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini told fellow TransLink board members this morning he won't be participating in future decisions or discussions involving the Evergreen Line. Speaking with Public Eye, Mr. Trasolini - who owns a $2.5 million commercial property along that line, said "This is what I told the board, 'Is there a potential conflict of interest? Well, anybody who has any property anywhere in the Lower Mainland has a potential. That's not the issue.' I told them I have never in the past been in a situation where I find myself in conflict. If I had, I would have walked out. However, we have something like two or three meetings left on this board. And the Evergreen Line is very, very important. If there's any perception whatsoever that I might hurt any decisions of the board, I will not participate. But the likelihood of there being an item on the Evergreen Line - which has been postponed till 2010 - is unlikely. But if there was, I would walk out on that one item."

TransLink chair Malcolm Brodie later echoed Mr. Trasolini's comments, saying "He's agreed voluntarily that he won't participate in any board or committee discussions or decision on the line...That is what he has voluntarily agreed to do. And I think it's the right thing."

More raceside news from the Non-Partisan Association board elections: speaking with Public Eye earlier this morning, John Moonen and Associates Ltd. government relations consultant Colin Doylend confirmed he's submitted papers to run for one of the civic party's eight open director seats. Mr. Doylend managed Sam Sullivan's council campaign during the 2002 election.

Earlier, we exclusively reported Port Moody Mayor and TransLink director Joe Trasolini owns a $2.5 million commercial property near the proposed Evergreen Line - a Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority project. Our understanding is that this ownership issue may be discussed this morning by TransLink board members. Mr. Trasolini has denied any conflict concerns exist.

Earlier, we reported former provincial Liberal backbencher Rob Nijjar had applied to run for one of eight open seats on the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors. And who wll be competing against him, you may wonder? Well, those names haven't been released yet. But we do know that around 15 people have submitted nomination papers - which should make for a vigorous race. By comparison, last year there were just 11 candidates for seven open board seats.

Want to run for the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors? Well, if you didn't get your nomination papers in by last Friday, you're out of luck. But one of those who did was former provincial Liberal backbencher Rob Nijjar. In an interview with Public Eye, he explained, "I've been involved with the NPA before. That's how I started out - Jennifer Clarke, the second time she ran her campaign. I've known Sam Sullivan since then. And I worked closely with him throughout that time. And also, when I was a MLA, I happened to be his MLA. So the reason I'm running is quite simple. It's the same reason I ran for the Liberals. I care about my city. I care about my province. And, if I want the province and the city to go in the right direction - in this case the city - I don't want COPE. I don't want an alternative."

Continued Mr. Nijjar, "I'm not saying the NPA is always doing the right thing. And I'm not saying they're the greatest party in the world. But the NPA is the only reasonable solution for us to move forward as a city. So it's my job to make sure, for my family, that that happens."

Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority chair Malcolm Brodie is convening a special meeting to address what some might see as a "perception of a conflict of interest" relating to property owned by Port Moody Mayor and TransLink director Joe Trasolini. In a statement released exclusively to Public Eye yesterday, Mr. Brodie said recommended measures "will include the exclusion of Director Trasolini from future board discussions and decisions relating to the (proposed) Evergreen Line project." Mr. Trasolini has denied any such conflict concerns exist. Mr. Brodie's statement was triggered by a Public Eye investigation that revealed Mayor Trasolini owns a $2.5 million property along the line's St. Johns Street segment - about 400 meters away from its proposed Buller Street station.

The light rail transit line - a TransLink project - is meant to connect the Tri-Cities with SkyTrain and the West Coast Express. The former owner of Mr. Trasolini's property, Cameo Construction Ltd. president Louis Winkler, says the agreement for sale of that holding is dated May 12, 2004, with the purchase price listed as being $2.6 million.

At the time that agreement was reached, Mr. Trasolini was not a TransLink director. He served on the board in 2003 and rejoined in 2005. That means he did not participate in the board's December 8, 2004 decision to approve the "essential elements" of the Evergreen Line.

In an interview with Public Eye Monday, Mr. Trasolini said he was approached by Mr. Winkler about purchasing the property. Mr. Trasolini went ahead with the deal because had sold his old company, was getting more involved in politics and needed a business that demanded less of his time. And renting commercial space fit the bill.

Asked for comment on Mr. Brodie's statement Wednesday, Mr. Trasolini said "I've consulted with a solicitor. And I'm going to put them in touch" with TransLink's solicitor. "And I'm going to wait until they talk to each other. Because, to me, it's a very clear situation. There's nothing there…I have nothing to hide. I encourage TransLink to seek guidance from the conflict of interest commissioner."

Although Mr. Trasolini did add he's been trying to sell the property since May, 2006. And there's been a draft agreement for sale of that holding since August 14, 2006 - an agreement which has been accepted. "I see (the Evergreen Line) as a negative disruption. This is not a residential zoning. This is a light industrial/commercial. I don't even want to be there if the Evergreen Line is built. I see this as a negative. So I've been selling this property."

On Monday, Mr. Trasolini also said the property didn't put him in a perceived conflict because, "If you read the definition of conflict, it's if I make a decision that's only for me. And, in fact, (supporting the Evergreen Line) doesn't. It benefits the whole northeast sector."

"It's the same way when you decrease taxes. You say, 'Gee, I want taxes to be low.' And then somebody's going to accuse you and say, 'Gee you want to keep taxes low because you want to pay low.' But the rest of the city's going to pay low. So, there's no questions whatsoever."

Mr. Trasolini pointed out plans to run a transit line down St. Johns have been on the books for 15 years. But he hasn't been a proponent of that plan, preferring a route along the Lougheed Highway instead. And he says he fully disclosed ownership of the property to TransLink and the City of Port Moody.

Mr. Trasolini's disclosed ownership of the property to TransLink in a 2007 filing. Mr. Trasolini says he also disclosed that property to TransLink in a 2006 filing. According to Port Moody's Financial Disclosure Act schedule, Mr. Trasolini listed the property as an asset in annual filings dated January 13, 2006 and January 15, 2007.

On March 6, 2006 TransLink directors appointed Mr. Trasolini chair of the Evergreen Line board communications committee. During the same meeting, he also participated in a vote to approve $35 million for the strategic acquisition of properties along the Evergreen Line. No specific properties were identified in that budget. And he was present when the board voted on October 18, 2006 to approve $16 million for detailed design work on the Evergreen Line - as well as request $400 million in additional funding from the provincial and federal governments.

After Public Eye contacted TransLink, its chair contacted Mr. Trasolini Monday evening. TransLink then launched a conflict of interest review, which issued its recommendations late Tuesday evening. Mr. Brodie had a meeting with Mayor Trasolini at 11 a.m. Wednesday, after which TransLink issued a statement to Public Eye.

Former provincial cabinet minister Bill Reid told Surrey Electors Team executives yesterday won't be seeking another term as the civic party's executive director. Speaking with Public Eye, Mr. Reid said, "I served the year they asked me to. And there's a re-appointment due at the annual general meeting - which is scheduled for sometime in the next four or five weeks. And what they asked me to do and accomplish in the year we've done. And so I'm just stepping aside to let someone else take on that role. And they have an executive to appoint in the coming year. And I intend to probably be part of that." Mr. Reid said it's his understanding electors team president Scott Nicoll will also be stepping down. "He's just served notice that he also doesn't have the time to give it in the coming year. So he's put them on notice saying, 'Move one of your executives up into that position. Because I won't be able to do it in the coming year.'"

Former federal Conservative Vancouver East constituency association president D.J. Lawrence has taken a dim view of the Sullivan administration's decision to fund the hiring of 17 new cops rather than the 65 requested by the Vancouver Police Department. In an email to friends and associations, Mr. Lawrence writes, "although they support law enforcement better than COPE and VISION, this is not the NPA I worked and voted for." But Non-Partisan Association caucus coordinator George Higgins - who has worked with Mr. Lawrence in the past - was quick to reply to those criticisms.

Wrote Mr. Higgins, "what DJ fails to point out is that the NPA campaigned on adding 50 new police officers during their mandate. They did that last year. This is 17 additional police officers, making the number 67 over 2 years. I think that more than covers their promise. But wait! DJ also failed to mention that the federal government (you know, the ones we all worked so hard to get elected last year) has promised to give more police to municipalities. Vancouver's share of that is estimated at 33. The simple math on that would be an increase of 50 new officers this year, assuming that our friends in Ottawa come through. That would double the amount the NPA campaigned on. On a side note, council approved 208 new positions within the police force over the last 3 years. How is that not supporting the police?"

But Mr. Lawrence wasn't backing down, noting Mr. Higgins is "taking credit for some of the positions approved when COPE was in power." Continued the former constituency association president, "We have had unprecedented gun crime since the NPA campaigned. We now have Funcouver, with bars open until 4 A.M. and stretching police resources even farther with longer hours and drunker more violent bar patrons...We need leadership now, not pie in the sky drug theories and best wishes for a civil society. We need a compassionate vision for those truly in need coupled with the ability to keep citizens safe. Right now, we are making life easy for the victimizers in our society, and not planning ahead for the many policing challenges facing us. We deserve better. I hope everyone will speak out on this issue." The following is a complete copy of that exchange.

***

-----Original Message-----
From: Lynda-May O'brien
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:37 AM
Subject: Fwd: 17 instead of 65!

For those that do not know DJ, he is the past President of Vancouver Centre...see his comments below.

Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:14:55 -0800
From: "D. Lawrence"
Subject: 17 instead of 65!

Hi everyone.

If you too are shocked at the NPA decision to allow VPD to hire 17 new police officers instead of 65, join the club. Although they support law enforcement better than COPE and VISION, this is not the NPA I worked and voted for. While we have comparable members per population, we do not have comparable members per call due to the larger numbers of citizens and bad guys descending upon our city every day. There should have been at least one law enforcement supporting councillor elected last time. I hope we don't pay the price for this shortsightedness with our lives, property, or in looking foolish with an understaffed police force for 2010!

If I may make an observation, when I sent political emails out before, I got a deafening silence, except for those that didn't want to hear about it. Funny, I got the same response from my hockey friends. And then the hockey crowd got Trout Lake and Killarney closed at the same time for a large part of the season, instead of one being left open and building the replacement in an empty parking lot. 50 people would have changed that vote.

I respect the right of everyone to hate politics, politicians, and those like me who are interested in politics and may want to run at some point. However, if you think it through, we all have an issue that can be impacted by the decisions of our federal, provincial, and civic political leaders, like it or not.

Wouldn't you rather have some input, and be able to pick those that run for the party you support? I invite anyone who answers yes to this question to get in touch with me at your convenience to see how little it takes to make a difference at whatever level interests you. To those already politically active, if you think we can work together to effect change, lets talk!

Yours truly,
DJ Lawrence

Lynda-May O'Brien
President
Partners Inc.

-----Original Message-----
From: George W. Higgins
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:55 AM
Subject: RE: 17 instead of 65!

Thank you for passing this along Lynda-May. One minor correction, and a couple of comments: DJ was president of Vancouver East, not Centre.

More importantly, part of what DJ fails to point out is that the NPA campaigned on adding 50 new police officers during their mandate. They did that last year. This is 17 additional police officers, making the number 67 over 2 years. I think that more than covers their promise. But wait! DJ also failed to mention that the federal government (you know, the ones we all worked so hard to get elected last year) has promised to give more police to municipalities. Vancouver's share of that is estimated at 33. The simple math on that would be an increase of 50 new officers this year, assuming that our friends in Ottawa come through. That would double the amount the NPA campaigned on. On a side note, council approved 208 new positions within the police force over the last 3 years. How is that not supporting the police?

George

-----Original Message-----
From: D. Lawrence
Sent: 28 February 2007 23:39
Subject: RE: 17 instead of 65!

Hi George, and everyone, great to see some discussion of this issue. For everyones privacy, I've changed to BCC mode. If anyone wants to chime in, I'm sure George, Lynda-May, or I can pass it along. I greatly appreciate Lynda-May's leadership in forwarding this to people to consider, and for George in replying.

In the interests of full disclosure, George was recently hired by the mayor for political operations or a similar role, he can define it better than I. For my part, I volunteer with the VPD in a couple of capacities and had a career in law enforcement myself, although my opinions are my own and no other entities or individuals. I also consider George a friend though we haven't talked in some time.

I wanted to reply immediately, but had to get some information from home, and just got in, sorry for the delay. I appreciate George's take on this issue, because he is a reasoned and decent guy, although I have no doubt that anything I ever wanted to do to support the NPA is now sunk. And thanks for the correction George. I worked with George when I was president of the Vancouver East Conservative EDA for 5 years, campaign manager twice, v.p. and board member for a year.

Some of you may remember me as the one who set up the CA/CPC booth at the PNE for Chinese New Year and served on the Lunar New Year committee for many years as well as setting up the only National Council All BC Candidates Debate in about 2001. I was also a board member, VP, and President in Burnaby Douglas for many years in the 90's. I've done extensive work provincially as a riding President, Campaign Manager, Board Member, delegate, and supported the KnowWards and Olympics campaigns as well as small roles helping the NPA here and there. Oh, I helped Christy's campaign too, so wasn't on the Mayor's Christmas card list already.

I'm not running for anything here, just making a point, that despite the NPA ensuring some folks will never do anything other than stuff envelops for them, and the Conservatives in my riding doing less in a year with a huge board and $60,000+ in the bank than I did each month for 5 years with no money and a small but keen board and then deposing me for expecting more, I know who I support and make no bones about it. I'm a handshake agreement kind of guy and probably lousy at diplomacy but I'm not trying to be a diplomat.

George made numerous points about what the NPA campaigned on, and I don't doubt the numbers he quotes. I do know that policing and crime are constantly changing fields that require flexibility and planning. I know the NPA asked the VPD for a comprehensive report which took significant time and resources to complete. It included experts from all over, concluding (including the cities own expert) that the number of 65 new officers was correct. We have had unprecedented gun crime since the NPA campaigned. We now have Funcouver, with bars open until 4 A.M. and stretching police resources even farther with longer hours and drunker more violent bar patrons. Why did the NPA request the report if they had made their minds up already?

And as much as I support our Conservative Government, as a minority government, they can't even get the other parties to support a Counter-Terrorism bill. The buck stops at City Hall, and they are ultimately responsible for the number of police officers on the street. To assume the fed's can or will come up with the money this or any other year abrogates City Hall's responsibility for this file. To blame someone after the fact when you knew it was likely to happen is not leadership.

And 208 members over the last 3 years, George, that math says that you are now taking credit for some of the positions approved when COPE was in power, but yes, they were the City Council. There were the sudden retirements of a huge number of police officers necessitated by a tax law that would have penalized their pensions if they stayed on. This necessitated new hires which were a minimal increase in bodies and a decrease in salary costs and experienced officers.

Finally, do we have to wait for the next campaign for the NPA to plan for 2010? We will need a large increase just to deal with city policing issues from extra visitors, let alone Counter-Terrorism, traffic control, and VIP and venue Protection. This will not all be borne by the RCMP and DND. We will need trained and experienced police officers who know our city. Having worked at two Olympics (Calgary and Salt Lake City), & 3 World Ski Championships in my life I have a good sense of what is needed to secure them.

The vetting for a police applicant can take up to a year from application to hire. To get really good at policing takes years, and the basic training is 5 blocks totalling many months of field and classroom training. Assuming a Nov. 2008 win by the NPA, this means approving new numbers in early 2009, vetting and hiring the approved numbers by late 2009, and oh, woe is me, we don't have enough trained police officers in Feb. 2010! And what about the many who are putting off retirement till after the Olympics? Then we're really in for a surprise!

We need leadership now, not pie in the sky drug theories and best wishes for a civil society. We need a compassionate vision for those truly in need coupled with the ability to keep citizens safe. Right now, we are making life easy for the victimizers in our society, and not planning ahead for the many policing challenges facing us. We deserve better. I hope everyone will speak out on this issue.

Best regards,

DJ Lawrence

PS, I got this (edited) note from a Vancouver Police Officer, unnamed to protect the innocent from being persecuted by the guilty. It gives a real sense of what they face: I actually joined the NPA (not supporting them anymore) thinking that they would put policing high as a priority. Pretty sad when Vision members support double the officers than the NPA. And I can tell you from working out there that we are grossly understaffed, and in reactive mode all the time. The DTES could eat another 50 officers without even blinking, especially in light of the new funky strategies being touted ('stimulant maintenance'?). Relying on the feds is a complete cop-out (pun intended). We have limited influence over the political process, so we will do our best with what we have and keep pounding away. On a positive note, at least Surrey city council seems to get it.

Non-Partisan Association vice-president Allen Langdon appears to have once again been using his email address at 2010 LegaciesNow for partisan purposes. Mr. Langdon, who was hired as the government-funded organization's Spirit of BC Committees director back in August, has sent several emails from that address discussing association activities - with three time-stamped during work hours. For example, on February 13 at 10:41, Mr. Langdon asked fellow board member David Choi the status of ticket sales for a civic party fundraiser. And, on January 29 at 4:10, he informed executive members that notices for two upcoming association events would be distributed shortly. Of course, that's not especially controversial content. But Mr. Langdon's email address and salary are being paid for by taxpayers. After all, LegaciesNow has received $130 million from the Campbell administration to "develop sustainable legacies" in the areas of "sport and recreation, arts, literacy and volunteerism."

So what does Mr. Langdon have to say about the issue? Well, Public Eye contacted LegaciesNow communications director Karen McDonald for comment early yesterday morning. Three hours later, we received a call from Langdon who told us he's no longer a Non-Partisan Association director. "I phoned (party president) Matt Taylor over lunch and informed him that I'm resigning from the NPA board. I think I've been thinking about it for a while. I've got other opportunities I want to pursue. And now seemed to be like the right time."

Asked whether his email activities were responsible for that resignation, Mr. Langdon said, "I don't think it's the reason. But the issue may have served as a catalyst for me making the decision at this particular time. But it was something I was already thinking about." Mr. Langdon declined to say whether he did, in fact, send some of those emails out during work hours. "Now that I'm no longer on the board, I don't really feel there's a need for me to comment." The following is an edited selection of the aforementioned emails.

***

From: Allen Langdon alangdon@2010legaciesnow.com
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:55:02 -0800
To: Andrew Graham, Yvonne De Valone, Cameron St. John, cindy chan piper, David Choi ceorpg@gmail.com, 'Douglas Leung', Glen Cho, Jason Murray, Joost Bakker, Kilby Gibson, Michael Huenefeld, Michelle Custodio, Mina Laudan, Paul Barbeau, Taylor, Matthew Taylor (Heenan Blaikie)
Conversation: AGM 2007 date
Subject: RE: AGM 2007 date

Hi Everyone,

There is a public hearing scheduled for city council that night beginning at 7:30. I would recommend that we look at another date, perhaps the 18th? Whatever date we pick, I would also recommend that we run it by someone from council, school board and park board to make sure it works with their schedules (as much as possible).

Cheers,

Allen

Allen Langdon
Director, Spirit of BC Committees

From: Andrew Graham
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 1:53 PM
To: Yvonne De Valone; Allen Langdon; Cameron St. John; cindy chan piper; David Choi; 'Douglas Leung'; Glen Cho; Jason Murray; Joost Bakker; Kilby Gibson; Michael Huenefeld; Michelle Custodio; Mina Laudan; Paul Barbeau; Taylor, Matthew (Heenan Blaikie)
Subject: AGM 2007 date

Hi Everyone,

After looking at a religious calendar and checking available dates at Heritage Hall, we decided on Tuesday, April 17th. If for any reason this date is not recommended, please let me know as soon as possible.

Regards,

Andrew

***

From: Allen Langdon alangdon@2010legaciesnow.com
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:41:45 -0800
To: Michelle Custodio, Douglas Leung, Cameron St John, Andrew Graham, cindy chan piper, Yvonne De Valone , Jason Murray, David Choi, Joost Bakker, Kilby Gibson, Mina Laudan , Glenn Cho, Michael Huenefeld, Paul Barbeau
Cc: "Taylor, Matthew (Heenan Blaikie)"
Conversation: TONIGHT'S BOARD MEETING POSTPONED to FEB. 21st
Subject: RE: TONIGHT'S BOARD MEETING POSTPONED to FEB. 21st

David:

How are sales going for Saturday¹s event? If you need help selling more tickets, how can we get them from you?

Please let me know.

Cheers,

Allen

Allen Langdon
Director, Spirit of BC Committees

From: Michelle Custodio
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 10:27 AM
To: 'Michelle Custodio'; Allen Langdon; 'Douglas Leung'; 'Cameron St John'; 'Andrew Graham'; 'cindy chan piper'; 'Yvonne De Valone'; 'Jason Murray'; 'David Choi'; 'Joost Bakker'; 'Kilby Gibson'; 'Mina Laudan'; 'Glenn Cho'; 'Michael Huenefeld'; 'Paul Barbeau'
Cc: 'Taylor, Matthew (Heenan Blaikie)'
Subject: TONIGHT'S BOARD MEETING POSTPONED to FEB. 21st
Importance: High

Dear Board,

Unfortunately, Matt is unable to make it to tonight¹s meeting (he injured his Achilles tendon and is in the hospital having surgery this morning).

He apologizes and the meeting will now take place next Wednesday, February 21st.

Thanks,

Michelle

***

From: Allen Langdon alangdon@2010legaciesnow.com
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:10:30 -0800
To:, "Taylor, Matthew (Heenan Blaikie)", Michelle Custodio, Andrew Graham, cindy chan piper, Yvonne De Valone, Jason Murray, David Choi, Joost Bakker, Kilby Gibson, Mina Laudan , Glenn Cho, Douglas Leung, Michael Huenefeld
Conversation: Pub night announcement
Subject: RE: Pub night announcement

A note about both the pub night and the Chinese New Year¹s event will go out later today.

Allen

Allen Langdon
Director, Spirit of BC Committees

Last year's Non-Partisan Association annual report - which summarized the civic party's achievements after one year in office - wasn't exactly an unequivocal success for Mayor Sam Sullivan and his team. The Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr described the report as an example of "pseudology" or the practice of making false statements. As part of his evidence for making that allegation, Mr. Garr wrote "on page 4 of the NPA document under budget ‘highlights,' there's a note on ‘significant new funding' for the Vancouver Police Department" - funding that "Sullivan along with the majority of his caucus voted against." So how much did the association pay to get beat up by the press you may wonder? Well, Public Eye has learned, the total price tag (including printing) was...er...more than $6,000 - with the cost being born by the association and Sullivan donors.

Non-Partisan Association directors are putting on their talent scout caps. On Wednesday evening, they passed a resolution to strike a committee to recruit candidates for the upcoming board elections - scheduled for April 25. There were also some - how shall we put this - spirited discussions about the possibility a board-endorsed slate. However, it's likely the board will only act on those discussions if it becomes apparent there may be a repeat of last year's divisive slate-organizing activities. But, really, who would do such a thing?

Last month, Mayor Sam Sullivan community relations director resigned "to take on a new opportunity in the private sector." And the hunt is now underway to find a replacement for Anna Lilly. Chief of staff Daniel Fontaine fired the starting pistol this morning, in an email encouraging friends and fellow travellers to beat the bushes for anyone who might be interested in becoming the mayor's next communications director. The following is a complete copy of that email.

------ Forwarded Message
From: "Fontaine, Daniel"
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:51:07 -0800
Conversation: CAREER OPPORTUNITY - Director of Communications, Office of the Mayor
Subject: CAREER OPPORTUNITY - Director of Communications, Office of the Mayor

Dear Friends,

As many of you might have heard, the Mayor's Director of Community Relations will be leaving our office on Friday, Feb 23. If you are aware of anyone who might be interested in our new Director of Communications position, can you please have them send a cover letter and resume to mayorjobposting@vancouver.

The closing date for applications is on Wednesday, Feb 28th at 5 pm.

Please have anyone applying for the position indicate in their cover letter that you have referred them to the Mayor's Office.

I have posted a link to the job description: http://www.mayorsamsullivan.ca/career-opportunity-join-the-mayors-.html.

Thanks for all your help.
cheers

Daniel Fontaine
Chief of Staff
Mayor of Vancouver

City councillors shouldn't be using their vancouver.ca email addresses for partisan purposes. This, according to city clerk Syd Baxter. "There's a broad sweeping policy - and it doesn't particularly apply to email but it includes email - that city-owned facilities and services are not to be used for partisan purposes," he explained. And would that policy preclude councillors from attaching to their emails a tagline promoting one of Vancouver's civic parties? "That's my view. That would not be acceptable."

So how does that square with a recent message sent by Vision Vancouver councillor Raymond Louie from his vancouver.ca address, which includes the following postscript: "If you would like to find out more about Vision Vancouver, please visit www.votevision.ca?" In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Louie explained Mr. Baxter hasn't taken issue with councillors who have used their vancouver.ca addresses to promote personal partisan Websites. So promoting Vision Vancouver using a tagline wouldn't be any different. The following is a complete copy of Mr. Louie's message.

***

Dear Citizens

Thank you for your many emails regarding the Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers By-law No. 2807.

Vision Vancouver is very concerned that a long standing business such as Cheapskates may close as a result of recent changes to the city By-law and Councillor George Chow has been actively working with staff along with the Vancouver Police Department to find a solution that will allow for the continued operation of businesses like Cheapskates, while still deterring criminal actively from happening. There is no doubt that the service provided by Cheapskates and the environmental benefits of reusing consignment goods is a positive one. Vision Vancouver will be supporting a change that provides a different classification for consignment dealers and I hope that we can soon report that the rest of council does as well.

If you have further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Councillor George Chow by email at raymond.louie@vancouver.ca or george.chow@vancouver.ca

Sincerely,

Raymond Louie

Councillor, City of Vancouver

Ps. If you would like to find out more about Vision Vancouver, please visit www.votevision.ca http://www.votevision.ca/

Mayor Sam Sullivan's community relations director has resigned "to take on a new opportunity in the private sector." In a message sent to friends and colleagues, Anna Lilly writes that opportunity "will enable me to have more balance in my life" - a laudable enterprise which continues to elude your humble organ. Ms. Lilly adds that, although her resignation may come as a surprise to some, "those who know me well will also understand how much I miss the work I previously did in the community as a volunteer, and my desire to continue my own personal development through continuing education and creative pursuits." The following is a complete copy of that message.

Dear friends and colleagues,

I am writing to let you know that I have resigned as Director of Community Relations to Mayor Sam Sullivan. While the past 13 months have been exciting, challenging and rewarding, I have decided to take on a new opportunity in the private sector that will enable me to have more balance in my life.

Working with Mayor Sullivan and the members of his caucus has been a wonderful experience and a privilege. I am very proud to have been part of the Mayor's team over the past year, and I am grateful for his support and understanding about my decision.

No doubt many of you will be surprised to learn of my decision, as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Mayor's office. But, those who know me well will also understand how much I miss the work I previously did in the community as a volunteer, and my desire to continue my own personal development through continuing education and creative pursuits. As much as I will miss working with Mayor Sullivan, I feel that now is the right time for me to make this transition.

Due to my departure, the Mayor's Chief of Staff will be seeking candidates for a new position in the Mayor's Office - details will be posted in the coming days at www.mayorsamsullivan.ca.

You can continue to reach me in the Mayor's Office until February 23rd, and I will be sure to forward my new contact details soon.

Thanks,
Anna

Anna Lilly
Director of Community Relations to the Mayor
City of Vancouver

Former provincial Liberal backbencher Sheila Orr present political activities have, for the most part, have been limited to patronage jobs. But the perennial rumour that Ms. Orr may be considering a run to be mayor of Victoria has bloomed. And what does she have to say about such talk? "It's not outside the realm of possibility," Ms. Orr replied in an interview with Public Eye, declining to provide further comment.

Vision Vancouver's founders may have divorced the Coalition of Progressive Electors in December 2004. But that doesn't necessarily mean the two civic associations can't be friends. With that in mind, coalition executive members unanimously approved a motion on January 18 to request an informal meeting with their estranged counterparts. Vision Vancouver has yet to receive that letter.

Last month, we reported Sam Sullivan and his supporters attended a private viewing of the controversial documentary about his successful bid to become mayor of Vancouver. Yes, the one which Maclean's Magazine's Brian Johnson described as a "portrait of naked ambition." And now the Disability Foundation - which Mayor Sullivan established - is organizing attendance at another screening for the movie. In an email sent out earlier today, the foundation's program coordinator Betty Cheung asked recipients to "email me as soon as you can if you would like to get tickets for this movie." Asked why the advocacy group was promoting Citizen Sam, Ms. Cheung explained the mayor asked them, "if we would like to contact our board of directors and send them information" about attending that screening. The following is a complete copy of the email.

From: BCheung
Sent: January 23, 2007 11:43 AM
Subject: Invitation: Feb 6 - movie " Citizen Sam Comes to Vancouver"
Importance: High

Please email me as soon as you can if you would like to get tickets for this movie - admission free.

Thank you!

Betty
Disability Foundation

----- Original Message -----
From: Joe Moulins
Subject: Citizen Sam Comes to Vancouver

Hi,

Wanted to let you know my film about Mayor Sam Sullivan is finally getting a public screening in Vancouver.

Brian Johnson of Maclean's Magazine had this to say after seeing the film at the Whistler Film Festival:

...an astonishing documentary called Citizen Sam, about Vancouver's quadriplegic mayor, Sam Sullivan, and his election battle one year ago.

I don't think I've ever seen such an intimate documentary about a politician that wasn't a puff piece. And this is no puff piece. It's a portrait of naked ambition.

And in the Globe and Mail, Gary Mason wrote:

...There has almost assuredly never been a film made about a mayor of a Canadian city quite as revealing as Citizen Sam.. Citizen Sam is one of the most compelling portraits of a person with a disability that you are likely to see.

Go to Myspace for a sneak peek of Citizen Sam.

Admission is free, but tickets are limited.

Call the number below to reserve yours, and please pass this note along to anyone you think might be interested.?

Hope you can make it!

Joe Moulins

The president of the union representing Vancouver municipal employees is seeking a written assurance that the mayor's new caucus coordinator "will not have access to our members' personal information, records and other confidential information pertaining to the employment of our members." This, according to those who have sent a letter sent by Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 15 president Paul Faoro to city manager Judy Rodgers this past Tuesday. In an interview with Public Eye, the mayor's community relations director Anna Lilly said it's her understanding Ms. Rodgers will be responding to the union's request shortly. But "to the question from Mr. Faoro - and it's a good question - as to whether the individual he's speaking about - George Higgins - will be working in our office or having access to any kind of personal records or any kind of confidential information pertaining to union members, the answer to that is no on both counts."

Mayor Sam Sullivan's administration hasn't been without its critics, as evidenced in recent columns by the Vancouver Courier's Allen Garr and former Non-Partisan Association board member Alex Tsakumis. And, in less public quarters, some members of the mayor's civic party have been expressing similar concerns. But, according to the rumour mill, he could soon be addressing some of that criticism head-on in a state of the city address - possibly as early as this coming Tuesday. And, if those rumours are true, that means you now have less than 48 hours to make a suggestion on what should be in that speech. Phone lines are open.

Earlier this week, Vision Vancouver councillor Tim Stevenson said it would be "tempting" to be the New Democrat candidate in Vancouver-Burrard if incumbent Liberal legislator Lorne Mayencourt resigns his seat to run federally. But, he told The Province's Michael Smyth, "I don't think I could win it without Mayencourt around. The guy is so unpopular and has such a poor reputation that anyone the Liberals run there is bound to get more votes!" Notwithstanding the accuracy of that statement, it got some members of that chattering classes wondering whether other Vision Vancouver elected officials might be thinking about a change of jurisdiction - officials like Raymond Louie.

However, in an interview with Public Eye, the councillor said rumours he'll seek the federal New Democrat nomination in Vancouver-Kingsway are "false." He was asked to consider entering that nomination race a little more than a month ago. But Mr. Louie says he "respectfully declined. We're just a year past the municipal election. And we're undertaking an initiative right now to build a civic party. And that's where my effort goes to right now - the citizens of Vancouver."

Mayor Sam Sullivan's decision to hire a new political staffer - independent of the Non-Partisan Association board - is the latest round in an ongoing debate about the future shape and direction of Vancouver's ruling civic party. On Monday evening, we exclusively reported former federal Conservative campaign manager George Higgins would soon be helping the mayor "keep the lines of communication open" between his caucus and the party.

Those close to the story say the mayor has long wanted the association to hire such a staffer - and become more involved with the cut and thrust of politics between elections. After all, that's how Vancouver's other civic parties presently operate. But, after waiting for that hiring happen, the mayor went ahead and took action.

Some think, though, that he hasn't done enough to discuss his vision for the party with board members - whom he met with last night at the office of Heenan Blaikie LLP. True, some directors would like the association to remain focused on selecting slate candidates and fundraising - which runs counter to what the mayor wants to do. But the board has been waiting for the past three months for the mayor to present them with a report detailing what expenditures the party can make to assist caucus members. And, to date, that report hasn't been delivered - although we're told it's forthcoming.

Meanwhile, the association and the mayor's staff seem to be caught up in an exhausting finger pointing exercise to find out who told us about Mr. Higgins - who was introduced to caucus members on Tuesday, along with a poll paid for by the mayor's campaign readiness fund. Mr. Higgins, who starts work next month, won't be paid by the association or taxpayers. Instead, it's our understanding his salary will be covered by the mayor's fund, which is separate from the party.

Earlier, we reported George Higgins will soon be working as Mayor Sam Sullivan's caucus coordinator. So we wanted to ask his employer some questions about that new post, such as how it's being funded. Because it's our understanding that said funding isn't coming from taxpayers - which is as it should be, given that Mr. Higgins is expected to be functioning in a somewhat partisan capacity. But so far we haven't been successful in getting a response to this question. In a message left yesterday on Public Eye's answering machine, the mayor's community relations director Anna Lilly said, "I don't really